NOFO - OVERSEAS - Nairobi CPIF 2024 v2.docx

AQM Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Template

TABLE OF CONTENTS

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE

UNITED STATES EMBASSY NAIROBI, PUBLIC DIPLOMACY SECTION

NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY (NOFO)

This is the announcement of notice of funding opportunity:

NOFO Title: Bolstering East Africa’s Investigative Journalism Ecosystem

NOFO Number: DOS-NBO-PDS-FY24-005

Federal Assistance Listing/Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 19.989

Type of Award: Cooperative Agreement

Total Funding: $ 986,500.00 (FY 2023 Economic Support Funds (ESF)

Anticipated Number of Awards: 1-3 (dependent on amounts)

Period of Performance: 12-24 months

Type of Solicitation: Open Competition

Eligibility Category:

The following organizations are eligible to apply:

· Not-for-profit organizations subject to section 501(c) (3) of the U.S. tax code, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations

· foreign-based non-profit organizations/nongovernment organizations (NGO)

· Public and private educational institutions

· Public International Organizations and Governmental institutions

Questions Deadline: 11:59 PM EDT/EST, Washington, D.C. on 3 JULY 2024

Application Deadline: 11:59 PM EDT/EST, Washington, D.C. on 15 JULY 2024

Anticipated Award Signing: September 2024

This notice is subject to availability of funding.

A. PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The U.S. Embassy Nairobi, Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a program to support investigative journalism and practices that aim to build up Nairobi as a hub for public interest journalism. This program will focus on teaching investigative journalism techniques to professional and citizen journalists, civil society members, and others, with an emphasis on how to identify inauthentic behavior and the application of artificial intelligence in online publications. The program must include designing an investigative journalism curriculum, developing materials, virtual exchanges, training, and mentoring. The program should include a structured fellowship program which would host and support participants conducting investigative projects. Finally, the program should lead to the creation of an independent Center for Investigative Reporting in Kenya and an institutional sustainability strategy. Funds are authorized under the Foreign Assistance Act.

A.1 Background

Nairobi’s media sector is the most developed in East Africa and boasts a professional corps of journalists across multiple established outlets in broadcast, print, radio, and online. Kenya’s leading media houses provide news coverage in neighboring countries, and Nairobi is also home to East Africa correspondents for most major international news organizations. Nairobi’s strengths as a regional media hub with academic, social, and professional journalism infrastructure make it an ideal location for developing stronger public interest journalism across East Africa. However, Kenyan journalists face many of the same challenges as their counterparts in neighboring countries and will benefit from training and support. Financial challenges including declining revenue and struggles monetizing online content have resulted in headcount reductions and resource cuts across the industry. This difficult financial situation, coupled with occasional political pressure, have stretched remaining members of the media and left limited resources for in-depth reporting.

A.2 Goals

Projects should be designed to achieve the following:

This project aims to amplify Kenya’s leadership in building Africa’s digital resilience by supporting key civil society actors, media outlets, and citizen journalists to make Nairobi the regional hub for public interest and investigative journalism. Supporting the investigative ecosystem in Kenya—a regional media and technology leader—would have an outsized impact in East Africa and the broader continent, particularly as the center creates professional linkages with counterparts in neighboring countries.

The project intends to impart a variety of investigative journalism skills to a range of actors focused on increasing government transparency and identifying inauthentic online behavior including the application of artificial intelligence or deepfakes in online publications. Participants in training will learn and share best practices and develop strategies aimed at reducing barriers to investigative reporting on sensitive issues. The training should include financial support for participants to pursue investigative projects and publish stories, with funds dedicated to selected projects, pre-publication review for legal liability, and funding for proactive litigation to compel access to information.

In addition to skills building, the program intends to foster a more connected environment among civil society actors, citizen journalists, media players, and others to build a more cohesive investigative ecosystem for East Africa, based in Nairobi. This can be accomplished through workshops in Nairobi for regional participants, thematic conferences or workshops, the creation of networking opportunities, or utilization of existing meetings of investigative journalism organizations (grant funds used for conference travel must be approved by the U.S. Embassy Nairobi). These engagements would support professional networking and best-practice exchange among journalists in East Africa. Participants will also be exposed to global best practices, case studies, and leading investigative journalists as mentors and training and conference guests. Proposals that include a mentoring relationship with a well-known global investigative organization will receive favorable scoring.

Proposals under this grant opportunity must include the following:

1. Training of citizen journalists, civil society actors, and others working in this space focused on critical digital skills, including but not limited to training in best practices in investigative journalism, training in detecting inauthentic online behavior, including the application of artificial intelligence or deepfakes in online publications, and journalistic techniques for uncovering / unmasking government corruption and impropriety;

2. The program should include a structured fellowship program which would host and support journalists from Kenya and elsewhere in East Africa conducting investigative projects;

3. Legal services for participants to support their efforts to seek information from the government in the public interest as well as legal liability review of potential stories;

4. Training opportunities to strengthen connections among journalists in Kenya and the East Africa region; and

5. Creation of and strategies for the sustainability of an independent journalism center based in Nairobi.

A.3 Expected Results

Specific results could include the following:

· Participants are trained to identify inauthentic online behavior, the application of artificial intelligence or deepfakes in online publications and techniques for unmasking government and private sector impropriety.

· Participants are familiarized with constitutional rights enabling them to seek information in the public interest and also potential legal liabilities associated with exposing stories of corruption where individuals are named. Participants are offered opportunities to network with like-minded individuals – journalists, citizen journalists, members of civil society – who share interest in exposing public interest stories.

· Participants receive mentoring and are offered fellowship opportunities and are exposed to investigative journalism best practices.

· A sustainable center for public interest journalism is created to enhance ongoing learning and networking opportunities.

· While participating in the program, each participant publishes investigative, public-interest pieces under the mentorship of program leaders.

· Upon completion of an investigative journalist institute, a cohort of journalists will be trained to identify inauthentic online behavior, the application of artificial intelligence or deepfakes in online publications, and techniques for unmasking private sector and government impropriety. Each journalist will publish up to two articles within the program and be supported in this endeavor with funds to offset expenses incurred, mentoring, pre-publication review for legal liability, and funding for proactive litigation to compel access to information.

· A sustainable network of NGOs and journalists is created to foster networking and share best practices beyond the completion of the award

A.4 Main Activities

To achieve the goals and expected results, the program should include the following:

· Mapping of journalists and other individuals working to expose public interest stories;

· Development of curriculum in investigative reporting skills, including but not limited to training in best practices in investigative journalism, training in detecting inauthentic online behavior, including the application of artificial intelligence or deepfakes in online publications, and journalistic techniques for uncovering / unmasking government corruption impropriety;

· Kenyan NGOs and journalists with counterparts in the region will be brought together workshops/conferences to enable networking and best-practice exchange among journalists in East Africa. Participants will also be exposed to global practitioners and journalistic standards.

· Legal support for participants to support their efforts to seek information from the government in the public interest as well as legal liability review of potential stories;

· Creation of networking opportunities through workshops, conferences, available to regional journalists;

· The creation of a structured fellowship program which would host and support journalists from Kenya and elsewhere in East Africa conducting investigative projects;

· Training opportunities to strengthen connections among journalists in Kenya and the East Africa region; and

· Creation of and strategies for the sustainability of an independent/public interest journalism center based in Nairobi (proposals should include a sustainability plan for the center).

To achieve the goals and expected results, the program could include the following:

· Mapping of previous investigative journalism training programs in order to avoid excessive overlap

· Creation of database of journalists and other actors working on public interest stories

Key Audiences:

· Audiences include traditional media, citizen journalists, NGO actors and others who are committed to increasing transparency and government accountability.

· Training should be offered primarily to Kenyan journalists, and regional actors who are influential beyond their borders (for example, regional journalists working on issues that cross borders and have broad policy interest).

· Participants chosen for the program should be geographically, linguistically and ethnically diverse, as well as gender-balanced.

A.5 Performance Indicators

All projects should aim to have impact that leads to the main goals of the program. Performance indicators should include, but are not limited to:

1. DR 5.1: Enabling Environment for Media and Free Flow of Information

Definition: Strengthen normative-legal-regulatory frameworks that enable free media, open information access and freedoms of expression. Advocate for, support, and protect professional and citizen-generated media subject to harassment, restriction, intimidation, imprisonment and/or closure for reporting on sensitive issues; support self-regulatory mechanisms as well as reforms of state-owned media into private or public service systems. Strengthen advocacy capacity, digital and physical security awareness and response capabilities, and networking for information, media and related organizations to promote, protect and defend Internet freedom, media independence and freedoms of expression; including but not limited to online, national, and regional initiatives.

2. DR 5.2: Professional and Institutional Capacities of Media

Definition: Boost the capacity and sustainability of professional journalism and citizen-generated media through a mix of training, education, mentoring, networking and exchange activities, including but not limited to: content production support as a training mechanism; developing and distributing training materials; and building and/or reforming media-related host country training and higher educational institutions. Support the development of a financially sustainable media sector through organizational and financial management training, advertising sector development, audience research and/or circulation audit capacities, market research, business planning, capital infusion and loans, media industry information exchanges, sponsorships/partnerships and other methods to improve the economic viability of the sector.

3. DR 5.3: Outlets and Infrastructure

Definition: Establish, develop and/or support radio, newspaper, broadcasting and digital media outlets and/or digital- and multi-media centers. Support broadband access, digital and physical safety and security, and media outlet infrastructure improvements, including equipment and tool provision and maintenance; support restoration/cataloging of archival media materials as appropriate.

4. Creation of a stainable network of NGOs and journalists to foster networking and share best practices beyond the completion of the award.

Competitive proposals must demonstrate the applicant’s ability to deliver on capacity building, curriculum development, and content delivery. Proposals that include a mentoring relationship with a well-known global investigative organization will receive favorable scoring.

All applicants will be required to address A. Project Description in the Scope of Work attachment (see Section D.2.1.6).

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Organizations can submit one application in response to the NOFO. If more than one application is submitted by an organization, only the first application received will be reviewed for eligibility and funding.

The U.S. Government may: (a) reject any or all applications, (b) accept more than one application, and (c) waive irregularities in applications received.

The U.S. Government may make award(s) based on 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 to enter 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.

U.S. Embassy Nairobi anticipates awarding a cooperative agreement. Cooperative agreements involve “substantial involvement” or greater U.S. Government participation in the project. U.S. Embassy Nairobi will undertake reasonable and programmatically necessary substantial involvement. Examples of substantial involvement can include, but are not limited to:

· Active collaboration with the recipient in the implementation of the award;

· Review and approval of one stage of work before another can begin;

· Joint preparation or presentation of results with the recipient;

· Involvement in the selection of participants or program venues;

· Specific programmatic oversight in the award, beyond normal monitoring.

The authority for this funding opportunity is found in the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended (FAA).

To maximize the impact and sustainability of the award(s) that result from this NOFO, U.S. Embassy Nairobi retains the right to execute non-competitive continuation amendment(s). The total duration of any award, including potential non-competitive continuation amendments, shall not exceed 54 months, or four and a half years. Any non-competitive continuation is contingent on performance and pending availability of funds. A non-competitive continuation is not guaranteed, and the Department of State reserves the right to exercise or not to exercise this option.

C. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

C.1 Eligible Applicants

U.S. Embassy Nairobi welcomes applications from:

• Not-for-profit organizations subject to section 501(c) (3) of the U.S. tax code, including think tanks and civil society/non governmental organizations

• foreign-based non-profit organizations/nongovernment organizations (NGO)

• Public and private educational institutions

• Public International Organizations and Governmental institutions

Please see 2 CFR 200.307 for regulations regarding program income.

C.2 Cost Sharing or Matching

Providing cost sharing, matching, or cost participation is not an eligibility factor or requirement for this NOFO and providing cost share will not result in a more favorable competitive ranking.

C.3 Other Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must have existing, or the capacity to develop, active partnerships with local in-country partners, entities, and relevant stakeholders and have successfully administered similar projects.

Any applicant listed on the Excluded Parties List System in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) and/or has a current debt to the U.S. government is not eligible to apply for an assistance award in accordance with the OMB guidelines at 2 CFR 180 that implement Executive Orders 12549 (3 CFR,1986 Comp., p. 189) and 12689 (3 CFR,1989 Comp., p. 235), “Debarment and Suspension.” Additionally, no entity or person listed on the Excluded Parties List System in SAM.gov can participate in any activities under an award. All applicants are strongly encouraged to review the Excluded Parties List System in SAM.gov to ensure that no ineligible entity or person is included in their application.

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.

Applicants, including U.S. affiliates of international organizations must provide a valid Unique Entity Identification (UEI), and completed SAM.gov registration when submitting application on GRANTS.gov or via email in response to this NOFO. Applicants that do not have a valid UEI and completed SAM.gov registration will NOT be eligible for consideration. Implementing partners/sub-recipient organizations are required to have a valid UEI number.

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

D.1 Address to Request Application Package

Applicants can find application forms and other materials needed to apply on GRANTS.gov https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-mandatory-family and/or via e-mail to NairobiGrants@state.gov under the announcement title “Bolstering East Africa’s Investigative Journalism Ecosystem,” “DOS-NBO-PDS-FY24-005.” Please contact the U.S. Embassy Nairobi point of contact listed in Section G if requesting reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities or for security reasons. Please note that reasonable accommodations do not include deadline extensions.

D.2 Content and Form of Application Submission

For all application documents, please ensure:

· All documents are in English and all costs are in U.S. Dollars. If an original document within the application is in another language, an English translation must be provided (please note the U.S. Department of State, as indicated in 2 CFR 200.111, requires that English is the official language of all award documents). If any document is provided in both English and a foreign language, the English language version is the controlling version;

· All pages are numbered, including attachments with the exception of Excel documents;

· All documents are formatted to 8 ½ x 11 paper; and,

· All documents are single-spaced, 12-point Calibri font, with 1-inch margins. Captions and footnotes may be 10-point Calibri font. Font sizes in charts and tables, can be reformatted to fit within 1 page width.

D.2.1. Application Requirements

Complete applications must include the following:

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

2. Organizations that engage in lobbying the U.S. Government, including Congress, or pay for another entity to lobby on their behalf, are also required to complete the SF-LLL “Disclosure of Lobbying Activities” form (only if applicable).

3. Cover Page/Executive Summary (not to exceed two (2) pages). Include the organization name, project title, target country/countries, and name and contact information for the application’s main point of contact and brief section that clearly outlines the (1) the problem statement addressed by the project, (2) research-based evidence justifying the applicant’s approach, and (3) quantifiable project outcomes and impacts.

4. Table of Contents

5. Proposal Narrative* (not to exceed ten (10) pages). *Please note the ten-page limit does not include the following:

· SF-424

· SF-424A

· SF-424B

· SF-LLL (if applicable)

· Cover Page/Executive Summary

· Table of Contents

· Scope of Work (required template provided as an attachment)

· Performance Monitoring & Evaluation Narrative and Plan (sample template provided as an attachment)

· Timeline

· Detailed Budget (sample template provided as an attachment)

· Budget Narrative (sample template provided as an attachment)

· If the Budget includes subawards, please include a separate Budget Narrative for each organization.

· NICRA Letter (if applicable)

· Single Audit or recent independent financial audit

· Key Personnel Summary

· CV or Resume of Key Personnel

· Additional Attachments (if applicable):

· Letters of support from program partners

· Official permission letters, if required for project activities

· Letter of Disclosure for proposed consultants/personnel

· Letter(s) of Institutional Support

The Proposal Narrative must include the following:

· Introduction to the Organization: A description of past and present operations, showing ability to carry out the project, including information on all relevant or similar type projects from previous grants from the U.S. Embassy and/or U.S. Government agencies.

Using the Scope of Work (see Section D.2.1.6) provided as an attachment to this NOFO by Embassy Nairobi , the Proposal Narrative should address the applicant’s unique approach to the following:

· Program Methods and Design: A description of how the program is expected to work to solve the stated problem and achieve the goal.

· Program Goal: The “goal(s)” describe the larger outcome intended

· Program Objectives: The intermediate accomplishments and measurable targets to achieve a goal. Objectives of the program should be SMART:

· Specific: Detailed and specifies what will be achieved

· Measurable: have associated metrics or measurements of success

· Attainable: appropriately challenging, objectives can be reasonably attained give the available resources

· Relevant: align with the policy/program goal and appropriate

· within the country or beneficiary audience

· Time-Bound: achievable within the timeframe of the program

· Program Activities: Describe specific actions taken under each Objective. All activities should be clearly developed and sufficiently explain the resource and time requirements (inputs) and things done or produced (outputs). Activities should detail: target areas, participant groups or selection criteria for participants; how relevant stakeholders will be engaged; and actions taken by local partners as appropriate/relevant.

· Program Management Plan: Describe the proposed management structure for this project. Include a description of the responsibilities of all principal organizations and staff involved, reporting relationships, authority, and lines of communication within and between each of these organizations.

· Program Partners: List the names and type of involvement of key partner organizations and sub-awardees, if applicable.

· Future Funding or Sustainability Applicant’s plan for continuing the program beyond the grant period, or the availability of other resources, if applicable. Include ways program activities will ensure sustainability.

· Risk Analysis - identify the internal and external risks associated with the proposed project, rate the likelihood of the risks, rate the potential impact of the risks on the project, and identify actions that could help mitigate the risks.

6. Scope of Work (SOW) (Applicants should use the SOW template provided by Embassy Nairobi and attached to this NOFO.) SOW should provide a summary of the applicant’s unique approach to the following as indicated in Section 5 Proposal Narrative:

· Program Goal

· Program Objectives

· Program Activities

· Program Indicators

Required Scope of Work (SOW) template is provided as an attachment to this NOFO.

7. Performance Monitoring & Evaluation Narrative and Plan (see provided sample template):

a. Program Monitoring & Evaluation Narrative details how a project’s performance monitoring and evaluation system will be carried out and by whom. It explains how the project’s performance toward its objectives will be tracked over time. It should provide a clear description of the approach and data collection strategies and tools to be employed (e.g., pre- and post-test surveys, interviews, focus groups). The description should also include how the applicant will track and document whether activities occurred (outputs) and the results or changes caused by these activities (outcomes). If the project includes work with local partners or sub-partners, explain how performance monitoring and evaluation efforts will be coordinated amongst these organizations. Explain if an external evaluation will be included. Evaluations, internal or external, should be systematic studies that use research methods to address specific questions about project performance. They should provide a valuable supplement to ongoing monitoring activities. Evaluation activities generally include baseline assessments, mid-term and final evaluations.

b. Performance Monitoring & Evaluation Plan should draw on the objectives, activities and expected changes from the Scope of Work, and link those areas to indicators. The Program Monitoring & Evaluation Plan is generally structured as a table with output-based and outcome-based indicators. It explains how data will be collected (data collection methods) to show that certain changes occurred. It outlines baselines (where your project is starting) and quarterly targets (what you would like to achieve) for each indicator.

The project should monitor and report on performance indicators that are specific, measurable, achievable, reasonable, and time-bound. Establish, where possible, performance baseline data and expected performance targets for each expected result and include details on what sources of data will be used to document performance, how the indicators will be measured, frequency of measurement, and units of measure. Where possible, indicators should also allow for sex disaggregation. Indicators should reflect key project outputs or outcomes that reflect the primary goals or objectives of the project and that the implementer can collect with high quality data.

A sample Performance Monitoring & Evaluation Narrative and Plan Template is provided as an attachment to this NOFO.

8. Timeline (not to exceed one (1) page, preferably as a Word Document or Excel Sheet). The timeline of the overall proposal should include activities and monitoring and evaluation efforts outlined in either in a monthly or quarterly format.

OR

October 2024 (Jan-Mar 2025)

OR

November 2024 (Apr-May 2025)

OR

December 2024

Activity Z

Etc.

9.

10. Detailed Budget (must be an Excel workbook) that includes three (3) columns containing the request to U.S. Embassy Nairobi for U.S. share of cost, any cost sharing contribution, and the total budget. A Summary Budget should also be included using the OMB-approved budget categories (see SF-424A as a sample) in a separate tab. Costs must be in U.S. Dollars. Detailed line-item budgets for sub-grantees should be included as additional tabs within the Excel workbook (if available at the time of submission).

For more information, Budget Guidance and Template for New Awards provided as an attachment to this NOFO.

Use of the Detailed Budget template is not required, however, the submitted budget must follow OMB budget categories. If an applicant’s budget does not follow OMB budget categories, the application will be deemed technically ineligible and will not be considered for funding.

11. Budget Narrative (preferably as a Word Document; (no maximum page limit). Justify each line-item in the budget and explain how the amounts were derived, consistent with the applicant’s documented policies, as well as the source and description of all proposed costs (and cost-share, if applicable). The Budget Narrative should complement the budget rather than repeat information provided in the budget. For example, the narrative should provide details on the purpose of costs, reasonability of costs, cost price analysis, explain allocations, explain any yearly variances, and tie expenses to program activities and/or objectives where appropriate. Sources of all cost-share offered in the application should be identified and explained in the budget narrative.

Personnel costs must include a clarification of the roles and responsibilities of all staff, base salary, and percentage of time devoted to the project (also known as level of effort). The Budget Narrative should support the activities described in the proposal and provide additional information that might not be readily apparent in the Detailed Budget, not simply repeat what is represented numerically in the budget, i.e., salaries are for salaries or travel is for travel.

If the Detailed Budget includes subawards, please include a separate Budget Narrative for each organization. Please note that subaward organizations must have a SAM.gov unique entity identifier (UEI) number (certain exceptions apply).

For ease of review, it is highly recommended that applicants order the Budget Narrative in the same order as the Detailed Budget.

See Tab 1 of Budget Guidance and Template for New Awards, provided as an attachment, for more information.

A sample Budget Narrative Template is provided as an attachment to this NOFO.

12. NICRA Letter: If your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, your latest NICRA letter should be included as a PDF file. This document will not be reviewed by the Merit Review Panel but will be used by project and grant team if the submission is recommended for funding. Organizations that have previously established indirect cost rates must submit timely indirect cost proposals to their cognizant agency as required by Appendix III & IV of 2 CFR 200. If indirect cost proposals have not been submitted for re-negotiation, as required, out-of-date NICRAs may not be considered. If your proposal involves subawards to organizations charging indirect costs, please submit their NICRA, if applicable.

13. Single Audit: a PDF file copy of your organization’s most recent single audit is required, if your organization meets the threshold as defined in 2 CFR 200 Subpart F. If your organization has not had a recent single audit (within your organization’s previous 3 fiscal years), you must submit your organization’s most recent independent financial audit.

14. Key Personnel Summary: (not to exceed two (2) pages, preferably as a Word Document). Include short bios that highlight relevant professional experience. Provides names, titles, roles, and experience/qualifications of key personnel involved in the program. Note the location where key staff will be based and percentage of their time (level of effort) that will be used in support of this program.

15. CV or Resume of Key Personnel: (no maximum page limit per CV or Resume). Include name, work history and experience or qualifications of key personnel who are proposed for the program.

16. Additional Attachments:

· Letters of support from program partners describing the roles and responsibilities of each partner, if applicable/pre-identified

· Official permission letters, if required for project activities

· Letter of Disclosure for proposed consultants/personnel (if applicable) of potential conflicts of interest, employment with a local/state/Federal government.

· Letter(s) of Institutional Support to indicate that your organization’s leadership is providing their support of the application.

Applications that do not include the elements listed above will be deemed technically ineligible. To ensure that all applications receive a balanced evaluation, the Merit Review Panel will review from the first page of each section up to the page limit and no further.

D.2.2 Additional Information Requested of Successful Applicants Receiving Notification of Intent

Successful applicants must submit, after notification of intent to make a Federal award, but prior to issuance of a Federal award:

· Written responses and revised application documents addressing conditions and recommendations from the Merit Review Panel;

· A copy of the applicant’s latest NICRA as a PDF file, if the applicant has a NICRA and includes NICRA charges in the budget;

· A completed copy of the U.S. Department of State’s Financial Management Survey, if receiving U.S. Government funding for the first time;

· Submission of required banking information to U.S. Embassy Nairobi at request of Grants Officer Representative or Financial Management Officer for new vendor creation in U.S. Department of State financial management systems;

· Other requested information or documents included in the notification of intent to make a Federal award or subsequent communications prior to issuance of a Federal award.

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

Required Registrations:

All prime organizations, whether based in the United States or in another country, must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration with SAM.gov before submitting an application. U.S. Embassy Nairobi may not review applications from or make awards to applicants that have not completed all applicable UEI and SAM.gov requirements. 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):

All prime organizations must, at all times during which they have an active Federal award or application under consideration by any Federal awarding agency, maintain an active SAM.gov registration with current information. SAM.gov requires all entities to renew their registration once a year to maintain an active registration status in SAM.gov. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure it has an active registration in SAM.gov and to maintain that active registration. If an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements at the time of application, the applicant may be deemed technically ineligible to receive an award and use that determination as a basis for making an award to another applicant.

D.3.1 Exemptions An exemption from the UEI and sam.gov registration requirements may be permitted on a case-by-case basis if:

· 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 in Section G at least two weeks prior to the deadline stated in the NOFO and provide a justification for their request. UEI/SAM.gov Exemption must be approved by a warranted Grants Officer before the application can be deemed eligible for review.

D.4 Submission Dates and Times

Applications are due no later than 11:59 PM EDT/EST, Washington, D.C. on 15 JULY 2024/11:59 PM on GRANTS.gov www.GRANTS.gov or via email to NairobiGrants@state.gov under the announcement title “Bolstering East Africa’s Investigative Journalism Ecosystem,” funding opportunity number “DOS-NBO-PDS-FY24-005.”

GRANTS.gov automatically logs 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. Late applications are neither reviewed nor considered. Known system errors caused by GRANTS.gov or U.S. Embassy Nairobi’s website that are outside of the applicant’s control will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Applicants should not expect a notification from U.S. Embassy Nairobi confirming receipt of their application.

D.5 Funding Limitations, Restrictions, and other Considerations

U.S. Embassy Nairobi will not consider applications that reflect any type of support for any member, affiliate, or representative of a designated terrorist organization. Please refer the link for Foreign Terrorist Organizations: https://www.state.gov/foreign-terrorist-organizations/ Project activities whose direct beneficiaries are foreign militaries or paramilitary groups or individuals will not be considered for U.S. Embassy Nairobi funding given purpose limitations on funding.

The Leahy Law prohibits Department foreign assistance funds from supporting foreign security force units if the Secretary of State has credible information that the unit has committed a gross violation of human rights. Per 22 USC §2378d(a) (2017), “No assistance shall be furnished under this chapter [FOREIGN ASSISTANCE] or the Arms Export Control Act [22 USC 2751 et seq.] to any unit of the security forces of a foreign country if the Secretary of State has credible information that such unit has committed a gross violation of human rights.” Restrictions may apply to any proposed assistance to police or other law enforcement. Among these, pursuant to section 620M of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended (FAA), no assistance provided through this funding opportunity may be furnished to any unit of the security forces of a foreign country when there is credible information that such unit has committed a gross violation of human rights. In accordance with the requirements of section 620M of the FAA, also known as the Leahy law, project beneficiaries or participants from a foreign government’s security forces may need to be vetted by the Department before the provision of any assistance. If a proposed grant or cooperative agreement will provide assistance to foreign security forces or personnel, compliance with the Leahy Law is required.

In addition, funds cannot be made available to any individual or organization that has committed serious human rights abuse.

Organizations should be cognizant of these restrictions when developing project proposals as these restrictions will require appropriate due diligence of program beneficiaries and collaboration with U.S. Embassy Nairobi to ensure compliance with these restrictions. Program beneficiaries subject to due diligence vetting will include any individuals or entities that are beneficiaries of foreign assistance funding or support.

D.6 Other Submission Requirements

All application submissions must be made electronically via www.GRANTS.gov or via email to NairobiGrants@state.gov). GRANTS.gov requires registration by the applying organization. Please note that the GRANTS.gov registration process can take ten (10) business days or longer, even if all registration steps are completed in a timely manner.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that it has an active registration in GRANTS.gov. U.S. Embassy Nairobi bears no responsibility for disqualification that result from applicants not being registered before the due date, for system errors in GRANTS.gov or U.S. Embassy Nairobi’s website or other errors in the application process.

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

Applicants must follow all formatting instructions in the applicable NOFO and these instructions.

U.S. Embassy Nairobi encourages organizations to submit applications during normal business hours (Monday – Friday, 9:00AM-5:00PM EDT/EST, Washington, D.C. )

If an applicant experiences technical difficulties and has contacted the appropriate helpdesk but is not receiving timely assistance (e.g., if applicant has not received a response within 48 hours of contacting the helpdesk), the applicant may contact the U.S. Embassy Nairobi point of contact listed in the NOFO in Section G.

GRANTS.gov Applications:

Applicants who do not submit applications via www.GRANTS.gov may submit via email to NairobiGrants@state.gov .

Please be advised that completing all the necessary registration steps for obtaining a username and password from GRANTS.gov can take ten (10) business days or longer.

Please refer to the GRANTS.gov website for definitions of various "application statuses" and the difference between a submission receipt and a submission validation. Applicants will receive a validation e-mail from GRANTS.gov upon the successful submission of an application. Validation of an electronic submission via GRANTS.gov can take up to two business days. Organizations may consider saving a screenshot of the checklist showing all documents submitted in case any document fails to upload successfully.

GRANTS.gov Helpdesk:

For assistance with GRANTS.gov, please call 1-800-518-4726 (U.S.) or 1-606-545-5035 (International) or email support@grants.gov. Grants.gov is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week excluding federal holidays.

For a list of Federal holidays visit:

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

E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

E.1 Proposal Review Criteria

The U.S. Embassy Nairobi Merit Review Panel will evaluate each application individually against the following criteria, listed below in order of importance, and not against competing applications. Please use the below criteria as a reference, but do not structure your application according to the sub-sections.

Quality and Program Design – 20 points: The program idea is well-developed and responsive to the policy and program objective of the NOFO. The applicant describes the project’s potential contribution to solving the problem addressed in the problem statement. The application clearly: defines the problem, it’s causes, stakeholders, and existing research/data; the approach taken to solve the problem; and realistic milestones to indicate progress.

Organizational Capacity – 20 points: The applicant demonstrates an institutional record of successful projects in the content area proposed. The applicant demonstrates experience (e.g., has previously worked and/or has established contacts/partners) in the proposed country/territory/region. The organization has expertise in its stated field and has adequate staffing to manage the proposed project. The applicant demonstrates capacity for responsible fiscal management of donor funding (e.g., successful management of a previous grant or sub-award, single audit findings, exclusions, etc.).

Program Planning/Ability to Achieve Objectives – 15 points: Goals and objectives are clearly stated and project approach is likely to provide maximum impact in achieving the proposed results. The applicant proposes activities that are feasible, and are also practical, and/or experiential in nature to encourage innovation. The applicant addresses how the project will engage or obtain support from relevant stakeholders and/or identifies local partners. Program logic is sound showing plausible pathways to achieve project outcomes. Key assumptions and risks have been identified and their potential influences described. The applicant acknowledges if activities similar to those proposed are already taking or have taken place previously and provides an explanation as to how proposed new activities will not duplicate or merely add to existing/recent activities.

Detailed Budget & Budget Narrative – 10 points: The budget justification is detailed, accounting for all necessary expenses to achieve proposed activities. Costs are reasonable in relation to the proposed activities and anticipated results and provide detail of calculations, including estimation methods, quantities, unit costs, labor in-put and responsibilities, procurement practice and policy information, and other similar quantitative detail.

Monitoring & Evaluation/Sustainability – 25 points: Applicant demonstrates ability to measure program success against key indicators and provides milestones to indicate progress toward goals outlined in the proposal. The program includes output and outcome indicators and shows how and when those will be measured and who will be responsible for them. The applicant clearly details how activities will result in benefits that will continue beyond the funding period.

Support of Equity and Underserved Communities – 10 points: Proposals should clearly demonstrate how the program will support and advance equity and engage underserved communities in program administration, design, and implementation.

E.2 Review and Selection Process

The Department of State is committed to ensuring a competitive and standardized process for awarding funding. Applications will be screened initially in a Technical Eligibility Review stage to determine whether applicants meet the eligibility requirements outlined in section C and have submitted all required documents outlined in section D. Applications that do not meet these requirements will not advance beyond the Technical Eligibility Review stage and will be deemed ineligible for funding under this NOFO.

All applications that are deemed eligible will proceed to the Merit Review Panel consisting of U.S. Government subject matter and/or country-specific experts and will be rated on a 100-point scale. U.S.