nofo model precinct-smart policing training project el salvador v6.docx

NOFO Number: INL-15GR0044-WHPElSalvador-070915 Model Precinct/Smart Policing Training Project for El Salvador

United States Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) Notice of Funding Opportunity(NOFO)

Announcement Type: New Grant

Public Opportunity Title: Model Precinct/Smart Policing Training Project for El Salvador

NOFO Opportunity Number: INL-15GR0044-WHPElSalvador-070915

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 19.705 – Transnational Crime

Funding Amount: $3,200,000 U.S. Dollars

NOFO Issuance Date: July 9, 2015

Deadline for Receipt of Questions: July 30, 2015 5:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

Closing Date and Time for Submission of Applications: October 1, 2015

Program Type: U.S. Embassy San Salvador/ INL

Grant Program: Central America Regional Security Initiative

Assistance Type: Grant

Eligibility Category: U.S. or overseas-based Non-profit/non-governmental organizations (NGOs) having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS and U.S. or overseas private/state institutions of higher education

Applicant Type: Organizations

Award Ceiling: $3,200,000

Award Floor: $2,000,000

Cost Sharing Requirement: No

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The mission of the State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) is to minimize the impact of international crime and illegal drugs on the United States, its citizens, and partner nations by providing effective foreign assistance and fostering global cooperation. This mission, which centers on helping our partner nations establish a capable and accountable criminal justice sector, was expanded during the past decade to include stabilizing post-conflict societies through criminal justice sector development and reform. This mission supports peace and security by stabilizing and strengthening security institutions and by combating narco-trafficking and other transnational crimes such as money laundering and criminal gangs. It promotes just and democratic governments by strengthening justice sector institutions, good governance and respect for human rights.

INL combines forces with other USG and international agencies and takes a regional approach to widespread problems. INL also encourages more developed governments to take responsibility as equal partners in global efforts to combat transnational crime, include drug trafficking. The Bureau’s priority programs support three inter-related objectives:

· BUILDING CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEMS: Institutionalize rule of law by developing and expanding criminal justice systems to strengthen partner country law enforcement and judicial effectiveness, foster cooperation in legal affairs, and advance respect for human rights;

· COUNTER-NARCOTICS: Disrupt the overseas production and trafficking of illicit drugs through targeted counter-narcotics and institution-building assistance and coordination with foreign nations and international organizations, and;

· TRANSNATIONAL CRIME: Minimize the impact of transnational crime and criminal networks on the U.S. and its allies through enhanced international cooperation and foreign assistance.

The INL Section in San Salvador, El Salvador announces a notification of funding opportunity (NOFO) to support a Model Precinct/Smart Policing Training project with up to US$3.2 million in FY10 (614 funding) Central American Regional Security Initiative (CARSI) Funds for a project period not to exceed three (3) years. The anticipated start date for this activity is November 2015 and one (1) award is anticipated as a result of this NOFO.

INL seeks applications from qualified for profit or non-profit organizations capable of providing comprehensive model police precinct training. The purpose of the INL El Salvador MPP is to assist the PNC to implement successful crime prevention strategies by adopting modern, proactive policing strategies and partnering with the private sector and NGOs throughout greater San Salvador and other municipalities to enhance the capacity of the PNC to prevent crime and violence, especially gang-related. The MPP program is for nation-wide coverage, but will be implemented in police delegations, sub-delegations and “puestos” that INL prioritizes.

The vendor will deliver 206 courses as described below in El Salvador and the United States (US) as directed by the INL Senior Police Advisor and under the supervision of the post INL Director and Coordinator. INL will select and vet student participants in consultation with the Director General of the National Police.

Embassy San Salvador reserves the right to fund any or none of the applications submitted and will determine the resulting level of funding for the award. The authority for this NOFO is found in the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended.

Eligible organizations interested in submitting an application are encouraged to read this NOFO thoroughly to understand the type of project sought and the application submission requirements and evaluation process.

For further information, please contact:

Name: James W. Rose Post: San Salvador E-mail: rosejw@state.gov Telephone: 503-2501-2139

Name: Linda Sanchez Post: San Salvador E-mail: sanchezlm@state.gov Telephone: 503-2501-2703

NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

The United States Department of State through its Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Section (INL) in San Salvador, El Salvador is seeking applications from qualified Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Educational Institutions and other qualified organizations for a Grant to implement a project entitled “Model Precinct/Smart Policing Training Project in El Salvador.” The authority for this Request for Application (NOFO) is found in the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended.

Pursuant to 2 CFR 200.400g, it is U.S. Department of State policy not to award profit under assistance instruments. All reasonable, allocable, and allowable expenses, however, both direct and indirect, which are related to the agreement program and are in accordance with applicable cost standards (2 CFR 200 for US and overseas-based non-profit organizations, and universities), may be paid under the grant. NOTE: overseas-based nonprofit organizations are legally required to comply with the 2 CFR 200.

Subject to the availability of funds, Embassy San Salvador intends to issue an award in an amount not to exceed $3,200,000 in total funding. The U.S. Dollar amount will be funded from Embassy San Salvador CARSI allocated funds, for a project period not to exceed 3 years. The anticipated start date for this activity is NLT November 2015. One (1) is anticipated as a result of this NOFO. Embassy San Salvador reserves the right to fund any or none of the applications submitted and will determine the resulting level of funding for the award.

Eligible organizations interested in submitting an application are encouraged to read this NOFO thoroughly to understand the type of project sought and the application submission requirements and evaluation process.

To be eligible for award, the applicant must submit all required information in its application through grants.gov, including the requirements found in any attachments to this grants.gov opportunity. This NOFO consists of this cover letter plus the following Sections:

This funding opportunity is posted on www.grants.gov and may be amended. See Section IV for further details. Potential applicants should regularly check the website to ensure they have the latest information pertaining to this NOFO. Applicants will need to have available or download the most updated version of the Adobe program to their computers in order to view and save the Adobe forms properly. If you have difficulty registering on www.grants.gov or accessing the NOFO, please contact the grants.gov Helpdesk at 1-800-518-4726 or via email at support@grants.gov for technical assistance.

It is the responsibility of the recipient of this NOFO document to ensure that it has been received from Grants.gov (OR Grantsolutions.gov) in its entirety. INL bears no responsibility for data errors resulting from transmission or conversion processes associated with electronic submissions.

Any questions concerning this NOFO should be submitted in writing to James Rose and/or Linda Sanchez via email at rosejw@state.gov and sanchezlm@state.gov. The deadline for submission of questions for this NOFO is July 30, 2015, 5:00 PM Post local time. Responses to questions will be made available to all potential applicants through an amendment to this NOFO and posted on grants.gov (OR grantsolutions.gov).

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 an application. In addition, final award of any resultant grant agreement cannot be made until funds have been fully appropriated, allocated, and committed through internal Embassy San Salvador procedures. While it is anticipated that these procedures will be successfully completed, potential applicants are hereby notified of these requirements and conditions for award. Applications are submitted at the risk of the applicant. All preparation and submission costs are at the applicant's expense.

SECTION I – FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

BACKGROUND

El Salvador is ground zero in the phenomena of MS-13 and 18th Street in Central America. According to the National Police of El Salvador (PNC), the current estimate of gang membership in El Salvador remains at about 30,000. El Salvador’s gang phenomena are more transnational in scope than that of its neighbors, most likely because of strong migration, deportation and repatriation patterns in relation to the United States. From 2003 to 2005, the Government of El Salvador (GOES) focused its efforts on tough law enforcement, rounding up thousands of suspected gang members on charges of “illicit association” (unlawful association). Although valuable criminal intelligence and knowledge of gang culture was obtained, by 2006 it became clear that this policy was not working effectively. Gangs were adapting to police pressure by relocating and becoming more violent and covert, refraining from obvious tattoos, etc. The prisons were filled beyond capacity, creating the new problem of prison violence and organized criminal activity with command and control established within prison walls.

On July 18, 2007, Assistant Secretary Shannon announced a new U.S. Anti-Gang Strategy for Central America which was both regional and comprehensive. In 2008 a Letter of Agreement to implement the Regional Gang Initiative (RGI) was signed by the U.S. Government and the GOES. The objectives of the RGI were to assist the GOES in developing a comprehensive strategy for combating gang related crime and violence, by focusing on improving capabilities in the areas of investigations, intelligence, legal capacity, community policing, prison management and prevention. These capabilities aimed to reduce the proliferation of gang culture, crime, and violence.

The INL training program for Central American Police Officers includes Intelligence-Led Policing; Basic and Advanced Community Policing; Citizen Contacts, Collection of Information, Processing and Analysis of Information and Intelligence Cycles; and Computer Statistics (COMPSTAT) among others. These trainings have been implemented since 2009 and have been supplemented with office equipment and technology in targeted Model Precinct Projects. To date INL has established several model precincts that are in different stages of implementation in Lourdes-Colon, Santa Ana, Ahuachapán, Sonsonate, Usulután, San Miguel, San Martin, San Salvador, Apopa, San Jose Villanueva, and Puerto de La Libertad. Since the implementation of the MPP program there has been a significant reduction in violent crimes. The combination of all the training and equipment, plus the establishment of an Intelligence Unit, has improved the capacity, attitude, and morale of PNC Officers.

To support further progress and expansion of model precincts in El Salvador, the U.S. Department of State through INL has allocated $3,200,000 USD in FY2010 (614 funding) CARSI for the Model Precinct/Smart Policing Training Project for El Salvador.

PROJECT PURPOSE

The purpose of the El Salvador MPP is to assist the PNC to implement successful crime prevention strategies by adopting modern, proactive policing strategies and partnering with the private sector and NGOs throughout greater San Salvador and other municipalities to enhance the capacity of the PNC to prevent crime and violence, especially gang-related. The successful vendor will deliver 206 courses as described below in El Salvador and the United States as directed by the INL Senior Police Advisor and under the supervision of the post INL Director and Coordinator. INL will select and vet student participants in consultation with the Director General of the National Police.

PROJECT GOALS

Goal 1 – Efficiently and effectively increase the capacity of the Salvadoran National Police to prevent crime and violence particularly that related to criminal youth gang activity, through a model police precinct training project that links smart, proactive policing with educational and public / private sector partnerships and investment in citizen security.

Goal 2 – Efficiently and effectively provide training to prepare Salvadoran police officers from Model Precinct Locations in Intelligence-Led Policing; Basic and Advanced Community Policing; Citizen Contacts, Collection of Information, Processing and Analysis of Information and Intelligence Cycles; Computer Statistics (COMPSTAT); and Trauma Informed Sexual Assault Investigation.

PROJECT OBJECTIVES

Objective 1: Provide Intelligence-Led Policing (ILP) courses to at least 1600 PNC officers in model precinct locations.

Objective 2: Provide Basic Principles of Community Policing courses to at least 1200 PNC officers in model precinct locations.

Objective 3: Provide Advanced Community Policing: From Theory to Practice courses to at least 1200 PNC officers in model precinct locations.

Objective 4: Provide courses on the subject of Citizen Contacts, Collection of Information, Processing and Analysis of Information, and Intelligence Cycles to at least 4000 PNC officers in model precinct locations.

Objective 5: Provide Computer Statistics (COMPSTAT) courses to at least 800 PNC officers in model precinct locations.

Objective 6: Provide Trauma Informed Sexual Assault Investigation Training to at least 90 PNC officers assigned to the investigation units (DIN) in model precinct locations.

Objective 7: Provide Advanced I-2 Analyst Notebook and UFED Cellbrite Applications to at least 75 PNC officers assigned to the intelligence units (DIP) in model precinct locations.

IMPLEMENTATION MECHANISM

Embassy San Salvador intends to implement the project through a grant award. Applicants should incorporate capacity building in their proposal.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The project is comprised of the following objectives and corresponding activities:

Objective 1: Provide Intelligence-Led Policing (ILP) courses to at least 1600 PNC officers in model precinct locations.

Under the modern philosophy of Intelligence-Led Policing (ILP), crime prevention is achieved through identification and elimination or mitigation of conditions and circumstances existing in a community which create opportunities for criminal activity and by targeted enforcement efforts directed at the most active offenders responsible for a majority of crime and violence in a particular neighborhood. The ILP project has multiple objectives: improved collection and analysis of tactical and strategic intelligence; enhancing the ability of police decision-makers to better focus limited resources towards crime prevention; and adoption of pro-active police patrol tactics through professional and frequent citizen contact.

Activity 1: Plan, coordinate, and oversee delivery of 40 ILP courses with at least 40 participants each. Course should be 40 hours.

Activity 2: Target the curriculum to mid-high ranking police officers to acquire the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) to implement their own ILP strategy for crime prevention.

Activity 3: Seek a curriculum that should include, but not be limited to: Origin and Theory of ILP; ILP as a Crime Prevention Strategy; Intelligence Models: Classical, 3I, etc.; Case studies of successful ILP projects; Classroom and Field ILP exercises.

Objective 2: Provide Basic Principles of Community Policing courses to at least 1200 PNC officers in model precinct locations.

The concept of “community policing” (CP) developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s after police responses to social unrest and activism severely damaged the public’s trust and confidence in law enforcement institutions in the United States. While the original objective of CP was to increase legitimacy of and improve citizen satisfaction in its police agencies, it has since evolved into an ever-changing array of diverse programs designed to appeal to specific audiences which makes it nearly impossible to define. It is also true that the organizational structure, historical culture, and availability of resources of police agencies in Central America often differ dramatically from their counterparts in the rest of the hemisphere. INL has promoted a CP program in Central America which addresses those differences and has refined and focused its CP efforts through targeted assistance directed to “model precincts” in the Northern tier countries. Among the objectives of the “model precinct” program is the rescue of communities from the ravages of gang-related crime and violence and tailoring police strategies to best fit the needs of each particular community.

The program is based on the idea of identifying communities with receptive police and civil leadership, identifying and implementing known “best practices” which are most effective in crime prevention, and then encouraging the replication of those practices throughout the host nation. Crime and violence has been reduced where these programs are embraced by community and police leadership, particularly in the model precinct communities.

Activity 1: Plan, coordinate, and oversee delivery of 30 CP Basic courses with at least 40 participants each. Course should be 40 hours and be delivered by two instructors.

Activity 2: Target the curriculum to mid-level officers working in Community Policing, Prevention, patrol officers and precinct level crime analysts.

Activity 3: Seek a curriculum that should include, but not be limited to: The Origins and History of Community Policing; Sir Robert Peels Nine Principles of Modern Policing; Community Policing as an Institutional Philosophy; and Use of the Scanning, Analyzing, Responding and Assessing (S.A.R.A.) model as a CP tool.

Objective 3: Provide Advanced Community Policing: From Theory to Practice courses to at least 1200 PNC officers in model precinct locations.

This course is the next step. It is literally taking CP from theory to practice, imparting knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) to the students to build community liaisons.

Activity 1: Plan, coordinate, and oversee delivery of 30 Advanced CP: From Theory to Practice with at least 40 participants each. Course should be 40 hours and be delivered by three subject matter expert instructors.

Activity 2: Target the curriculum to mid-level officers working in Community Policing, Prevention, patrol officers and precinct level crime analysts who have previously attended the basic course. Note: ideally a participant should take the advanced course after a minimum period of six months.

Activity 3: Seek a curriculum that should include, but not be limited to: Partnerships; Organizing community meetings: bringing different groups together; proactive problem solving: fixing the problems first; Organizational change: what’s different with community policing?; Developing action plans; Application of intelligence to a community “gangs” problem; and Application of business principles to implementation.

Objective 4: Provide courses on the subject of Citizen Contacts, Collection of Information, Processing and Analysis of Information, and Intelligence Cycles to at least 4000 PNC officers in model precinct locations.

This is a basic course that is targeted for all the officers assigned to each Delegation, Sub-Delegation and “puestos.” The course introduces participants to the gang phenomena, and provides KSAs to collect and analyze information from the surrounding environment.

Activity 1: Plan, coordinate, and oversee delivery of 80 courses on the subject of Citizen Contacts, Collection of Information, Processing and Analysis of Information, and Intelligence Cycles. Course should be 24 hours.

Activity 2: Target all officers assigned to the model precinct.

Objective 5: Provide Computer Statistics (COMPSTAT) courses to at least 800 PNC officers in model precinct locations.

COMPSTAT is a management tool that was deployed since the Santa Ana, Ahuachapán, Sonsonate and Lourdes-Colon since 2012. The system was so successful that the PNC Director General instructed nationwide deployment of the system. As of today, INL is currently purchasing more computer equipment to digitalize the system nationwide.

Activity 1: Plan, coordinate, and oversee delivery of 20 COMPSTAT courses with at least 40 participants each. Course should be 24 hours.

Activity 2: Target mid-high ranking police officers.

Activity 3: Seek a curriculum that should impart basic knowledge of the theory and concept of COMPSTAT as a management tool for directing limited resources towards crime prevention.

Objective 6: Provide Trauma Informed Sexual Assault Investigation Training to at least 90 PNC officers assigned to the investigation units (DIN) in model precinct locations to strengthen the capacity of law enforcement to provide effective response to victims of sexual assault.

Currently the PNC’s investigators lack capacity and training when processing cases related to sexual assaults. This has resulted in under reporting of sexual assaults/abuse. In order to enhance their capacity and provide them the necessary knowledge, INL is adding this component to the model precinct projects.

Activity 1: Plan, coordinate, and oversee delivery of three (3) Trauma Informed Sexual Assault Investigation Trainings with at least 30 participants each. Course should be 24 hours and have at least two instructors.

Activity 2: Target law enforcement officers in model precincts that are assigned to investigation of sexual assault cases.

Activity 3: Seek a curriculum that should include, but not be limited to:

· Describe how specific experiences impact victim trauma, memory, reactions and behavior and how officer interpretation of this behavior impacts sexual assault investigations.

· Explain how key decisions made by law enforcement impact the progression of a sexual assault investigation.

· Understand that victim disclosure often occurs in pieces over time and identify strategies for working with victims to facilitate trust and communication.

· Employ strategies that postpone judgment regarding the validity of a case until a thorough investigation is completed.

· Identify investigative methods and techniques that focus on offender behavior.

· Conduct victim interviews and document sexual assault cases utilizing physical, psychological and sensory evidence to effectively build a strong case.

· Recognize potential sources of officer bias and ways to mitigate its impact on reports.

· Make case coding and clearing decisions based on analysis of evidence identified through a thorough investigation.

Objective 7: Provide Advanced I-2 Analyst Notebook and UFED Cellbrite Applications to at least 75 PNC officers assigned to the intelligence units (DIP) in model precinct locations.

Currently the PNC utilizes UFED Cellbrite equipment to extract information from cellphones and other communication equipment. This tool is critical for case investigations, intelligence, investigations and information analysis.

Activity 1: Plan, coordinate, and oversee delivery of three (3) Advanced I-2 Analyst Notebook and UFED Cellbrite Applications Trainings with at least 25 participants each. Course should be 24 hours and have at least two instructors.

Activity 2: Target analyst officers assigned to model precinct Intelligence Units (DIP). Note: as pre-requisite participant should have taken basic user training for both programs/tools.

CROSS-CUTTING AND ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES

1. Utilize Local Resources and Expertise only for the courses on the subject of Citizen Contacts, Collection of Information, Processing and Analysis of Information, and Intelligence Cycles.

2. Project Expansion

In the event of a successful project, Embassy San Salvador will consider the option of expanding the project to other model precincts. Applicants may include in their proposal a brief section outlining how additional funds could potentially be used to expand work into further activities or additional countries in future years. Applicants are strongly encouraged to demonstrate how their project might leverage funding through other organizations.

DESIRED RESULTS AND ILLUSTRATIVE INDICATORS

By the end of the three (3) years of the project, Model Precinct/Smart Policing Training Project for El Salvador it is expected to increase the capacity of more than 7000 Salvadoran National Police officers to prevent crime and violence, particularly that related to criminal youth gang activity through the delivery of 206 trainings. Train 1600 PNC officers in ILP; train 1200 PNC officers in Basic Community Policing; train 1200 PNC officers in Advanced Community Policing; train 4000 in subjects of Citizen Contacts, Collection of Information, Processing and Analysis of Information, and Intelligence Cycles; train 800 PNC officers in COMPSTAT; train 800 PNC officers in COMPSTAT ; and train 90 PNC officers in Trauma Informed Sexual Assault Investigation; train 75 PNC officers in Advanced I-2 Analyst Notebook and UFED Cellbrite Applications.

The recipient will develop a project-level Performance Monitoring plan (PMP) with annual and end-of- project targets and results anticipated for key performance indicators. The following table shows indicators that will be measured, as well as illustrative targets, upon which the recipient will be responsible for monitoring and reporting during and after the project. In addition, Embassy San Salvador will regularly monitor the project’s performance to assess whether project activities are on track and targets are being achieved.

Outcome indicators for the project are provided below. The recipient is expected to identify targets for these indicators based on what it can reasonably achieve within the performance period of the project, and based on the expected overall project results described above.

Output indicators and illustrative targets for the project are provided below. The recipient should review these and either confirm the illustrative targets or propose alternative targets, as appropriate.

The recipient may propose additional outputs, indicators, and/or targets as appropriate. The recipient will be required to collect baseline data for all the PMP indicators during the first year of the project. In addition, certain terms included in the outcomes and indicators will need to be defined at the very beginning of the project so that it is possible to measure the change during and at the end of the project. Examples of such are “capacity”, “spread effect”, etc. Baseline information will be critical for both monitoring and evaluation of project progress and results.

[END OF SECTION I]

NOFO Number: INL-15GR0044-WHPElSalvador-070915 Model Precinct/Smart Policing Training Project for El Salvador

SECTION II – AWARD INFORMATION

Embassy San Salvador expects to award one (1) of grant agreements based on this NOFO. The anticipated total federal funding amount is $3,200,000. The period of performance is three years with an anticipated start date of November 15, 2015. Implementation must commence within 30 days upon award.

The U.S. government may issue one or more awards resulting from this NOFO to the responsible applicant(s) whose application(s) conforming to this NOFO are the most responsive to the objectives set forth in this NOFO. The U.S. government may (a) reject any or all applications, (b) accept other than the lowest cost application, (c) accept more than one application, (d) accept alternate applications, and (e) waive informalities and minor irregularities in applications received.

The U.S. government may make award on the basis of initial applications received, without discussions or negotiations. Therefore, each initial application should contain the applicant's best terms from a cost and technical standpoint. The U.S. government reserves the right (but is not under obligation to do so), however, to enter into discussions with one or more applicants in order to obtain clarifications, additional detail, or to suggest refinements in the project description, budget, or other aspects of an application.

[END OF SECTION II]

SECTION III – ELIGIBLITY INFORMATION

(1) Eligible Entities: Applicants who are eligible to apply include:

· U.S. non-profit organization or a U.S. private/state educational institution meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c) (3) and can demonstrate current country registration in El Salvador. Applicants in the process of registration must submit proof that they are seeking non-profit status from the Internal Revenue Service at the time of proposal submission. Should the applicant be selected for an award, funding will be contingent upon 501(c)(3) status; OR

· Local, in-country, non-profit organization, educational institution, or private institutions that can demonstrate current country registration in El Salvador, competent programmatic ability, and ability to meet INL reporting requirements;

AND

· Must demonstrate relevant and successful past performance. in El Salvador.

· Must have demonstrated experience implementing similar education or capacity building programs, preferably in El Salvador. INL reserves the right to request additional background information on organizations that do not have previous experience administering similar programs and/or federal grant awards.

· Applicants must have the ability to produce course materials, deliver training, and conduct evaluations in Spanish and English. The applicant’s staff should be proficient in English in order to fulfill reporting requirements.

· Applicants must have existing, or the capacity to develop, active partnerships with stakeholders in order to successfully carry out the proposed program.

· Organizations may form a consortium and submit a combined proposal. However, one organization should be designated as the lead applicant.

· Applicants must be able to respond to the NOFO and be able to implement within 30 days upon award.

PLEASE NOTE: Public International Organizations (PIOs) and For-Profit Organizations are excluded from applying to this grant announcement.

(2) Embassy San Salvador/INL encourages applications from potential new partners.

[END OF SECTION III]

SECTION IV – APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

INL urges prospective applicants to immediately confirm their organization has a current Unique Entity Identifier (Dun and Bradstreet (DUNS) number) as well as a current Central Contractor Registration via www.sam.gov. Additionally, please ensure that registration in the following systems is in a current/active status prior to your organization’s application submission.

Unique Entity Identifier (DUNS Number) All organizations (foreign and domestic) must obtain a DUNS number. US-based organizations may request a DUNS number by calling 1-866-705-5711; the DUNS number is usually provided immediately.

Foreign organizations that do not have a Unique Entity Identifier (DUNS number) will need to go to the Dun & Bradstreet website at http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform/pages/CCRSearch.jsp to obtain the number. *The webform requests generally takes 1-2 business days.

CAGE/NCAGE Registration For US-based organizations, a CAGE code will automatically be assigned to your entity once you submit your entity’s registration in SAM.gov and the TIN validation has been returned.

NCAGE Codes are required for all foreign entities prior to starting a SAM registration. PLEASE NOTE: The organization’s name, address, and email information used to request your NCAGE Code must match what you used to request your Unique Entity Identifier (DUNS Number). Otherwise, you will receive error messages when applying for the NCAGE code. You can submit your request for an NCAGE Code using the NCAGE Request Tool at https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/scage/CageList.aspx. Detailed instructions are posted at that site. For additional information, please call 1-269-961-4623 or send an email message to NCAGE@dlis.dla.mil.

SAM.gov Registration SAM.gov registration is required of all INL applicants prior to registering with Grants.gov. If your organization was previously registered in the Central Contractor Registry (CCR), you must still create a new Individual User Account in SAM prior to receiving a future federal grant. Applicant organizations can obtain assistance for SAM.gov registration by using the following link: https://www.fsd.gov or by calling 1-866-606-8220 (U.S. calls)/or 1-324-206-7828 (international calls). PLEASE NOTE: The organization’s name, address, and email information used to request your organization’s Unique Entity Identifier (DUNS number) and the NCAGE Code must match what is used to request the SAM.gov validation. Otherwise, you will receive error messages when registering in SAM.gov.

US-based organizations that already have a TIN (taxpayer identification number), your SAM registration will take 3-5 business days to process. US-based organizations applying for an EIN (employer identification number), please allow up to 2 weeks.

Foreign organizations must have a DUNS number and an NCAGE code prior to completing the SAM.gov registration process.

Please note: If your organization is registered with SAM.gov and your status is NOT listed as ACTIVE, you will need to update your registration prior to submitting an application through grants.gov. SAM.gov requires ALL organizations (foreign and domestic) to register on an ANNUAL basis.

Grants.gov Registration

In order to apply for a grant, your organization must complete the Grants.gov registration process. Registration can take between three-five business days or as long as two weeks if all steps are not completed in a timely manner. Please log into http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html to obtain complete instructions on the registration process.

Foreign Registrants: Anyone residing and doing business outside of the United States is still required to complete the five steps of the Grants.gov registration process, in addition to fulfilling supplementary requirements for doing business with the United States government. Please ensure that you have obtained a DUNS number, an NCAGE code, and an “ACTIVE” status in SAM.gov prior to registering in Grants.gov.

Grantsolutions.gov Registration

Applicants using www.grantsolutions.gov for the first time should complete their “New Organization Registration” as soon as possible. This process must be completed before an application can be submitted. Registration with www.grantsolutions.gov usually occurs directly after an applicant submits their registration documents. To register with www.grantsolutions.gov, click “Login to GrantSolutions” and follow the “First Time Users” link to the “New Organization Registration Page.” There are different ways to register your organization, click on the link that fits best your organization’s structure. If your organization is experiencing difficulties with registration process, please contact Customer Support at help@grantsolutions.gov or call 1-866-577-0771.

Organizations that have previously used www.grantsolutions.gov do not need to register again. If an organization that has previously used GrantSolutions.gov is not able to access the system, please contact Customer Support at help@grantsolutions.gov or call 1-866-577-0771.

TECHNICAL FORMAT REQUIREMENTS

For all application documents, please ensure:

A) All pages are numbered, including budgets and attachments, B) All documents are formatted to 8 ½ x 11 paper, and C) All Microsoft Word documents are single-spaced, 12 point Times New Roman font, with a minimum of 1-inch margins.

D) All documents must be submitted in English. (Please note: Per Department policy, English is the official and controlling language for all submitted application/award documents.)

Complete applications must include the following for proposal submissions:

1. Completed and signed SF-424, SF-424A, and SF424B, submitted via grants.gov (OR grantsolutions.gov), as well as, if applicable (Please see Tab D for instructions for completion of Standard Forms 424, 424A, and 424B.)

2. A copy of your organization’s most recent audit.

3. Cover Page that sets forth proposal title, name of lead applicant, names of any other participating organizations, name and number of the Target Themes to which the proposal responds, and requested funding amount in U.S. dollars (see the award amount ceiling as stated in the NOFO)

4. Table of Contents (not to exceed one [1] page in Microsoft Word) that includes a page-numbered contents page, including any attachments.

5. Executive Summary (not to exceed two [2] pages in Microsoft Word) that includes:

a) the target country(ies),

b) name and contact information for the project’s main point of contact,

c) a statement of work or synopsis of the program, including a concise breakdown of the project’s objectives, activities, and expected results,

d) the total amount of funding requested and program length, and

e) a brief statement on how the project is innovative, sustainable, and will have a demonstrated impact.

6. Proposal Narrative (not to exceed ten [10] pages in Microsoft Word). Please note the ten page limit does not include the Table of Contents, Executive Summary, Attachments, Detailed Budget, Budget Narrative or NICRA. Applicants are encouraged to submit multiple documents in a single Microsoft Word, (i.e., Table of Contents, Executive Summary, Proposal Narrative, and Budget Narrative in one file).

7. Summary and Detailed Line-Item Budget (preferably in Microsoft Excel) that includes three [3] columns including the request to INL, any cost sharing contribution, and total budget (see below for more information on budget format). A summary budget should also be included using the OMB approved budget categories (see SF-424 as a sample). Costs must be in U.S. dollars.

8. Budget Narrative (preferably in Microsoft Word) that includes an explanation and justification for each line item in the detailed budget spreadsheet, as well as the source and a description of all cost-share offered. For ease of review, INL recommends applicants order the budget narrative as presented in the detailed budget. Personnel costs should include a clarification of the roles and responsibilities of key staff and percentage of time devoted to the project. The budget narrative should communicate to INL any information that might not be readily apparent in the budget, not simply repeat with words what is stated numerically in the budget.

9. NICRA: If your organization has a negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA) and will include NICRA charges in the budget, your latest NICRA must be included as a .pdf file. This document will not be reviewed by the panelists, but rather used by program and grant staff if the submission is recommended for funding and therefore does not count against the submission page limitations, as described above. If your proposal involves subgrants to organizations charging indirect costs, please submit the applicable NICRA also as a .pdf file (see “INDIRECT COST RATE” below for more information on indirect cost rates).

If your organization does NOT have a negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA) please specify if your organization elects to charge the de minimis rate of 10% of the modified total direct costs. The de minimis rate must be included in the detailed budget and an explanation must be provided in the budget narrative.

10. Attachments (not to exceed ten [10] pages total, preferably in Microsoft Word) that include the following in order:

a) Page 1-2: Monitoring and Evaluation Plan (see below for more information on this section).

b) Page 3-4: Roles and responsibilities of key program personnel with short bios that highlight relevant professional experience. This relates to the organization’s capacity. Given the limited space, CVs are not recommended for submission.

c) Page 5-6: Timeline of the overall proposal. Components should include activities, evaluation efforts, and program closeout.

d) Page 7: A list of previous and/or current federal assistance awards issued; please include the awarding agency, point of contact, name of the project, start and end dates, and amount of the award

d) Page 9-10: Additional optional attachments. Attachments may include further timeline information, letters of support, memoranda of understanding (MOU)/agreement, etc. For applicants with a large number of letters/MOUs, it may be useful to provide a list of the organizations or government agencies that support the program rather than the actual documentation.

Note: INL retains the right to request additional documentation for those items not included on this form.

INFORMATION ON STANDARD FORMS

Please see Tab D for instructions for completion of Standard Forms 424, 424A, and 424B.

OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET (OMB) CIRCULARS

Organizations should be familiar with 2 CFR 200 on cost accounting principles. For a copy of the OMB circular cited, please contact Government Publications or download from http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2cfr200_main_02.tpl. Overseas-based nonprofit organizations are legally required to comply with 2 CFR 200.

AUDITS

The recipient’s proposal should include the cost of an audit that:

1) Complies with the requirements of 2 CFR 200 Subpart F “Audit Requirements;”

2) Complies with the requirements of American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Statement of Position (SOP) No. 92-9, "Audits of Not-for-Profit Organizations Receiving Federal Awards;"

3) Complies with AICPA Codification of Statements on Auditing Standards AU Section 551, "Reporting on Information Accompanying the Basic Financial Statements in Auditor-Submitted Documents," where applicable. When the U.S. Department of State is the largest direct source of Federal financial assistance (i.e., the cognizant Federal Agency) and indirect costs are charged to Federal grants, a supplemental schedule of indirect cost computation is required;

4) A non-Federal entity that expends $750,000 or more during the non-Federal entity's fiscal year in Federal awards must have a single or project-specific audit conducted for that year in accordance with the provisions of 2 CFR 200 subpart F.

The audit costs shall be identified by 2 CFR 200.425.

INDIRECT COST-RATE

An organization with a negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA) negotiated with a cognizant federal government agency other than the U.S. Department of State must include a copy of the cost-rate agreement. Applicants should indicate in the proposal budget how the rate is applied and if any of the rate will be cost-shared. Per 2 CFR 200.414, any non-Federal entity that has never received a negotiated indirect cost rate, except for those non-Federal entities described in Appendix VII to Part 200—States and Local Government and Indian Tribe Indirect Cost Proposals, paragraph D.1.b, may elect to charge a de minimis rate of 10% of modified total direct costs (MTDC) which may be used indefinitely. As described in 2 CFR 200.403, factors affecting allowability of costs, costs must be consistently charged as either indirect or direct costs, but may not be double charged or inconsistently charged as both. If chosen, this methodology once elected must be used consistently for all Federal awards until such time as a non-Federal entity chooses to negotiate for a rate, which the non-Federal entity may apply to do at any time.

[END OF SECTION IV]

TAB A: PROPOSAL GUIDELINES

Proposals should include the following components:

· Introduction and Problem Statement

· Planned Activities

· Indicators

Problem Statement and Rationale: Describe the problem and how the project will achieve or contribute to achieving a sustainable solution and a measurable outcome. The applicant should explain the extent of existing assistance within the particular geographic area, and how the proposed intervention may complement (or differ from) other similar interventions. The implementer should also explain, as necessary, the particular experience and qualifications they bring to the project. The rationale should also reflect understanding of the priorities and policies of the bureau/post or project with which this agreement is associated.

Planned Activities and Indicators: Describe the planned activities, and relevant stakeholders for implementation. The implementer should highlight key stakeholders and their expected role in the project, along with any contingencies. The implementer should list assumptions that are dependent on the ultimate success of the project. This could include elements like geographic location, coordination efforts with other international organizations, or political will from host governments, private sector, and NGOs. As appropriate, limited contingency possibilities should be included in the proposal, in case the initial planning assumptions are not met. Example of a planned activity and contingency:

In the proposal, there should be a clearly defined link between each of the following elements as delineated:

Problem Statement Planned Activities/Inputs Process Indicators Output Indicators Outcome Indicators Impact

Process Indicators measure the activity that has been completed. Please delineate the specific activities to be conducted, such as workshops, roundtables, trainings, forums, exchanges, policy dialogues, etc. All indicators must include targets. Example of a process indicator:

Output Indicators, otherwise known as deliverables associated with the agreement, should be included. Unlike process indicators, outputs are what is produced, and are often tangible. At this level, it is the measurement of ability, knowledge, skills, or access. All indicators must include targets. Example of an output indicator involving the same participants:

Outcome Indicators measure the change in system or behavior or practice. Expected outcomes are the results that come from a series of activities that are necessary to achieve impact. All indicators must include targets. Example of an outcome indicator:

All indicators must include measurable, numerical targets, which should serve as the foundation for monitoring and evaluation efforts. Ultimately, proposed activities and achievement of indicator targets will lead to impact.

TAB B: PROJECT MONITORING AND EVALUATION PLAN

Embassy San Salvador will work with recipient organizations to implement the appropriate monitoring and evaluation plan that meets both the needs of Embassy San Salvador and the implementing partner. Incorporating a well-designed monitoring and evaluation component into a project is one of the most efficient methods of documenting the progress and potential success of a project. Successful monitoring and evaluation depend on the following:

· Setting objectives that are specific, measurable, attainable, results-focused, and placed in a reasonable time frame (SMART);

· Linking project activities to stated objectives;

· Developing key performance indicators that measure realistic progress towards the objectives.

Embassy San Salvador expects implementing organizations will track participants or partners as appropriate and be able to respond to key evaluation questions, including satisfaction with the project/training, information learned as a result of the project/training, changes in attitude and behavior as a result of the project, and effects of the project on institutions in…