NOFO_Panama Alumni Seminar.pdf

NOFO

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

U.S. EMBASSY PANAMA

Notice of Funding Opportunity

Funding Opportunity Title: Panama Exchange Alumni Seminar 2024 Funding Opportunity Number: PDS-PAN-FY24-01 Deadline for Applications: August 9, 2024 Assistance Listing Number: 19.040 Total Amount Available: up to $50,000

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The U.S. Embassy in Panama of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a program to administer a Panama Exchange Alumni Seminar with a networking reception for former participants of U.S.

government-sponsored and U.S. government facilitated people-to-people exchange program alumni (“exchange alumni”) in Panama. The cooperative agreement includes a micro grants component to help participants take concrete actions as a result of their seminar experiences.

Purpose: The purpose of this cooperative agreement is to enhance the U.S. Embassy’s engagement with exchange alumni in support of U.S. foreign policy and public diplomacy objectives. During the course of this award, the award recipient will conduct one seminar on the thematic topic of Artificial Intelligence (AI) with a particular focus on the use of AI to promote equity and inclusion and organize an alumni networking reception to celebrate the impact of exchange alumni in Panama. The award recipient will also manage a competitive small grants program for teams of seminar participants that builds on the seminar theme and empowers seminar participants to be catalysts and force multipliers on the seminar theme within local communities.

The U.S. Embassy leads and coordinates efforts to maintain relationships with Panamanian exchange alumni. With over 4,000 exchange alumni in Panama, U.S. Embassy Panama is committed to providing resources to sustain engagement with and tap into the energy, enthusiasm, and expertise of this influential audience; most are established or emerging leaders in their fields of interest. The U.S. Embassy supports alumni programs that are strategic and designed to reinforce U.S. foreign policy objectives.

Please follow all instructions below.

Program Objectives:

Alumni engagement is an integral component of the U.S. Department of State’s public diplomacy efforts. Through the 2024 Panama Exchange Alumni Seminar, the U.S. Embassy aims to:

1. Strengthen the Embassy’s ties to exchange alumni and build a sense of common purpose among participants of U.S. government-sponsored and U.S. government-facilitated exchange programs in Panama.

2. Strengthen alumni voices and collaboration in support of U.S. foreign policy priorities of equity in inclusion, and through AI, further our scientific and technological capabilities and promote democracy and human rights by working together to seize opportunities presented by

AI, while simultaneously promoting the responsible use of AI.

3. Provide alumni participants current information about AI policy issues, techniques for the responsible use of AI, and the benefits of leveraging AI to support innovation, education, and entrepreneurship.

4. Leverage the skills, talents, and influence of exchange alumni in Panama to amplify U.S.

foreign policy messages on the responsible use of AI and equitable access to AI.

The program should include a two- or three-day seminar, a public talk or workshop, an alumni networking reception, and a micro grants program as defined below.

Seminars: “Seminars” are defined as a set of learning, leadership, and networking activities for exchange alumni, focused on the theme of AI. Each seminar will also include an operational, skills-building component, such as project planning, impact analysis, monitoring and evaluation, grants writing, or using AI and social media tools, to foster concrete alumni-driven initiatives that support U.S. foreign policy objectives. The two- or three-day seminar will foster networking among exchange alumni from Panama, and comprise multiple components, drawing on expert speakers and trainers, group discussions, action-planning, and presentations by the participants.

The seminar will take place in Panama City, Panama and the majority of the sessions should take place in Spanish, either through Spanish-speaking presenters or interpreters.

At least one of the AI workshops or talks should be open to the public and/or hybrid, enabling a greater number of Panamanians to learn about the responsible use of AI.

The award recipient is expected to manage overall program logistics before, during and after the seminar with substantive input and guidance from the U.S. Embassy.

Micro Grants: “Grants” are funding opportunities following the enrichment seminar of up to

$2,000 per selected project. Participants will be eligible to compete for this micro grant opportunity following the enrichment seminar. The Embassy and the award recipient will review all submitted proposals and hold a grants panel to recommend projects for funding. The

Embassy will make the final selection of approved projects. The grants will support alumni efforts to apply their newly gained knowledge and skills related to the responsible use of AI to promote equitable access to AI within their communities. The overall fund for grants under this cooperative agreement is envisioned to be approximately $8,000.

Alumni Networking Reception: The award recipient is expected to organize an Alumni

Networking Reception for approximately 150 people during the seminar, which will include seminar participants and other alumni selected by the Embassy.

Participants and Audiences:

"Participants" are defined as exchange alumni of any U.S. government-sponsored and U.S.

government-facilitated exchange program. Seminar participants must be 18 years of age or older. The seminar will have approximately 50 participants who have an interest in AI and applying responsible use of AI in areas including innovation, education, English-language learning, entrepreneurship, press and media freedom, and social and economic development.

In partnership with the grantee, the Embassy will promote the seminar and choose Panamanian exchange alumni to participate. To the extent possible, the seminar should represent the diversity of Panama and include women, minorities, and marginalized populations, including individuals with disabilities.

At least ten of the seminar participants should be from areas or cities outside of Panama City and applicants should indicate a budget for the participants’ lodging, domestic transportation to Panama City, and per diem for meals not included in the seminar.

At least one workshop or talk should be open to the public.

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Length of performance period: 6 to 9 months Number of awards anticipated: One (1) award Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $30,000 to a maximum of $50,000 Total available funding: $50,000 Type of Funding: FY24 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds Anticipated program start date: September 2024

This notice is subject to availability of funding.

Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative agreement.

Cooperative agreements are different from grants in that Embassy staff are more actively involved in the grant implementation (“Substantial Involvement”).

U.S. Embassy Panama activities and responsibilities for the Panama Exchange Alumni Seminar are as follows:

1. Provide clear guidance on the theme of the seminar and provide advice and assistance in executing program components.

2. Develop selection criteria and support the recruitment and selection of seminar participants.

3. Identify and manage the invitations process for alumni invited to the alumni networking reception.

4. Initiate and facilitate interaction within the U.S. Department of State and other stakeholders, as needed.

5. Promote the public portion of the seminar and strategic communications to share outcomes of the seminar.

6. Provide input and final approval of seminar curricula, including speakers and trainers, promotional materials, and final calendar of activities for the seminar.

7. Serve on the selection panel for the micro grants program and approve final list of grant recipients.

8. Provide feedback following the seminar and periodically throughout the cooperative agreement to identify areas of improvement.

Recipient activities and responsibilities are as follows:

1. Develop and execute a communications strategy and timeline to provide participants and

U.S. Embassy Panama with program materials and logistical information prior to the seminar.

2. Manage logistical arrangements and fees, including seminar site selection and contract(s), arranging all technical equipment, staffing, all travel, insurance, ground transportation, accommodations, group meals, interpretation, and seminar organization for all participants and speakers.

3. Provide one person to serve as primary point of contact; at least one of the coordinating staff for the seminar must be a fluent Spanish-speaker.

4. Develop and implement a plan to monitor the participants’ safety and well-being while traveling to/from and during the seminar and create opportunities for participants to share potential issues and resolve them promptly.

5. Make proper arrangements for participants’ religious observances and dietary needs.

6. Conduct an orientation for the seminars upon participants’ arrivals at the host site.

7. Research, design, and plan seminar curriculum and activities to develop the participants’ knowledge and skill base for the thematic topic.

8. Identify speakers and trainers to assist in facilitating the seminar and coordinate the logistics of their participation in the seminar.

9. Research and identify potential organizations or locations for off-site visits in relation to the theme of the seminar, if applicable.

10. Develop resources and assist participants in developing action plans and collaborative, innovative project proposals for the micro grants program.

11. Facilitate a micro grants program for participating exchange alumni, including the creation of supporting resources, and organizing and participating in a selection panel.

12. Oversee the responsible transfer and monitoring of funds to selected alumni for projects that take place in Panama.

13. Establish a monitoring and evaluation plan to measure the results of the seminar and the micro grants program.

Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in nine months or less.

C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION

1. Eligible Applicants

The following organizations are eligible to apply:

• U.S. or foreign not-for-profit organizations, including civil society/non-governmental organizations

• U.S. or foreign public and private not-for-profit educational or cultural institutions

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

There is no minimum or maximum percentage of cost sharing required for this competition and cost sharing will not be considered as a criteria in the selection process.

When cost sharing is offered, it is understood and agreed that the applicant must provide the amount of cost sharing as stipulated in its proposal and later included in an approved agreement. Cost sharing may be in the form of allowable direct or indirect costs. For accountability, you must maintain written records to support all costs which are claimed as your contribution, as well as costs to be paid by the Federal government. Such records are subject to audit. The basis for determining the value of cash and in-kind contributions must be in accordance with the Office of Management and Budget’s Guidance 2 CFR Parts 200 and 600, entitled the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards. In the event you do not provide the minimum amount of cost sharing as stipulated in the approved budget, U.S. Embassy Panama's contribution may be reduced in like proportion.

3. Other Eligibility Requirements

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

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

1. Address to Request Application Package

Application forms required below are available at www.pa.usembassy.gov/AlumniSeminar

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

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

Content of Application Please ensure:

• The proposal clearly addresses the goals and objectives of this funding opportunity

• All documents are in English

• All budgets are in U.S. dollars

• All pages are numbered

The following documents are required:

1. Mandatory application forms which can be found at:

www.pa.usembassy.gov/AlumniSeminar

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

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

• SF-424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs) (note: the SF-424B is only required for individuals and for organizations not registered in SAM.gov) http://www.sam.gov/ http://www.pa.usembassy.gov/AlumniSeminar

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

3. Proposal (10 pages maximum): The proposal should contain sufficient information that anyone not familiar with it would understand exactly what the applicant wants to do. You may use your own proposal format, but it must include all the items below.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5. Attachments:

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

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

• Official permission letters, if required for program activities

Required Registrations:

All organizations, whether based in the United States or in another country, must have a

Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration with the SAM.gov. A UEI is one of the data elements mandated by Public Law 109-282, the Federal Funding Accountability and

Transparency Act (FFATA), for all Federal awards.

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

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

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

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

• Organizations based outside of the United States and that do not pay employees within the United States do not need an EIN from the IRS but do need a UEI number prior to registering in SAM.gov.

• Please note that as of November 2022 and February 2022 respectively, organizations based outside of the United States that do not intend to apply for U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) awards are no longer required to have a NATO Commercial and Government Entity (NCAGE) code or CAGE code to apply for non- DoD foreign assistance funding opportunities. If an applicant organization is mid-registration and wishes to remove a CAGE or NCAGE code from their SAM.gov registration, the applicant should submit a help desk ticket (“incident”) with the Federal Service Desk (FSD) online at www.fsd.gov using the following language: “I do not intend to seek financial assistance from the Department of Defense. I do not wish to obtain a CAGE or NCAGE code. I understand that I will need to submit my registration after this incident is resolved in order to have my registration activated.”

https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fsd.gov%2Fgsafsd_sp%3Fid%3Dgsafsd_kb_articles%26sys_id%3Dc81018e71b1601d0937fa64ce54bcb57&data=05%7C01%7Cfjeldkk%40state.gov%7C0cc4e2b471f44abcd32308db093ecead%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C638113937577534024%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=W2ShcazZBQbanYGj0cLOTnUJwv%2BGL4xfwr83%2BycQY2E%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fsd.gov%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cfjeldkk%40state.gov%7C0cc4e2b471f44abcd32308db093ecead%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C638113937577534024%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=t32ANWzgpiB93pMWoq%2BFCSHz4YJY9QF1S1iQzCsS6RM%3D&reserved=0

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

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

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

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

NCAGE Homepage:

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

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

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

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

Organizations requesting exemption from UEI or SAM.gov requirements must email the point of contact listed in the NOFO at least two weeks prior to the deadline in the NOFO providing a justification of their request. Approval for a SAM.gov exemption must come from the warranted Grants Officer before the application can be deemed eligible for review.

3. Submission Dates and Times

Applications are due no later than July 20, 2024

4. Funding Restrictions https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Feportal.nspa.nato.int%2FAC135Public%2Fscage%2FCageList.aspx&data=05%7C01%7Cfjeldkk%40state.gov%7C0cc4e2b471f44abcd32308db093ecead%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C638113937577534024%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=v3TLT8F%2FNfk5SuTcI2zw7SMhV4HK542OhP9XDx4ln%2BY%3D&reserved=0

A. Fly America Act Restrictions: All Federal Government-financed international air transportation must be accomplished by U.S. Flag air carriers or U.S. code sharing to the extent that service by those carriers is available. For information on other "open skies" agreements in which the United States has entered, please refer to GSA's website at http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/103191 .

B. Cost-Sharing: the Recipient must maintain written records to support all allowable costs claimed as being its contribution to cost participation, as well as costs to be paid by the Department of State. Such records are subject to audit. The recipient will report the amount of cost sharing contributed under the award in its financial status.

C. Funds awarded for transportation do not confer any liability on the U.S.

Embassy for injuries occurred in transport. The Recipient will take responsibility for any insurance needs related to domestic and international transportation for program participants.

D. Invitations to the Ambassador or U.S. Embassy personnel to activities funded through this Award must be coordinated with and routed through the Public

Diplomacy Section.

E. The Recipient will be responsible for informing and securing permission as necessary, from all program participants and parents of minors for the U.S.

Embassy to use images and video of the participants, including minors, in social media, Embassy publications and the press.

F. The Recipient agrees to maintain a non-partisan, non-political disposition to all Award-funded activities.

5. Other Submission Requirements

Applications may be submitted electronically through www.Grants.gov or by email to pancultural@state.gov.

E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

1. Criteria

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

Quality and Feasibility of the Program Idea – 20 points: The program idea is well developed, with detail about how program activities will be carried out. The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline.

http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/103191

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

Program Planning/Ability to Achieve Objectives – 15 points: Goals and objectives are clearly stated and program approach is likely to provide maximum impact in achieving the proposed results.

Budget – 10 points: The budget justification is detailed. Costs are reasonable in relation to the proposed activities and anticipated results. The budget is realistic, accounting for all necessary expenses to achieve proposed activities.

Monitoring and evaluation plan – 15 points: Applicant demonstrates it is able to measure program success against key indicators and provides milestones to indicate progress toward goals outlined in the proposal. The program includes output and outcome indicators, and shows how and when those will be measured.

Sustainability – 10 points: Program activities will continue to have positive impact after the end of the program.

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.

2. Review and Selection Process

A review committee will evaluate all eligible applications.

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

F. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

1. Federal Award Notices

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

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

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

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

Payment Method:

Payments will be made by submitting form FS-270 and correspond to agreed upon milestones.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

Before submitting an application, applicants should review all the terms and conditions and required certifications which will apply to this award, to ensure that they will be able to comply.

These include:

• 2 CFR 25 - UNIVERSAL IDENTIFIER AND SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT

• 2 CFR 170 - REPORTING SUBAWARD AND EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION INFORMATION

• 2 CFR 175 - AWARD TERM FOR TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS

• 2 CFR 182 - GOVERNMENTWIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE

(FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE)

• 2 CFR 183 - NEVER CONTRACT WITH THE ENEMY

• 2 CFR 600 – DEPARTMENT OF STATE REQUIREMENTS

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

In accordance with the Office of Management and Budget’s guidance located at 2 CFR part 200, all applicable Federal laws, and relevant Executive guidance, the Department of State will review and consider applications for funding, as applicable to specific programs, pursuant to this notice of funding opportunity in accordance with the following: NOTE:

https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=81a5f41de81c46a9844617d93a9db081&mc=true&node=pt2.1.25&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=81a5f41de81c46a9844617d93a9db081&mc=true&node=pt2.1.170&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=81a5f41de81c46a9844617d93a9db081&mc=true&node=pt2.1.175&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=81a5f41de81c46a9844617d93a9db081&mc=true&node=pt2.1.182&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=81a5f41de81c46a9844617d93a9db081&mc=true&node=pt2.1.182&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=81a5f41de81c46a9844617d93a9db081&mc=true&node=pt2.1.183&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=81a5f41de81c46a9844617d93a9db081&mc=true&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2chapterVI.tpl https://www.state.gov/about-us-office-of-the-procurement-executive/

• Guidance for Grants and Agreements in Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations (2 CFR), as updated in the Federal Register’s 85 FR 49506 on August 13, 2020, particularly on:

o Selecting recipients most likely to be successful in delivering results based on the program objectives through an objective process of evaluating Federal award applications (2 CFR part 200.205), o Prohibiting the purchase of certain telecommunication and video surveillance services or equipment in alignment with section 889 of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2019 (Pub. L. No. 115—232) (2 CFR part 200.216), o Promoting the freedom of speech and religious liberty in alignment with Promoting Free Speech and Religious Liberty (E.O. 13798) and Improving Free Inquiry, Transparency, and Accountability at Colleges and Universities (E.O.

13864) (§§ 200.300, 200.303, 200.339, and 200.341), o Providing a preference, to the extent permitted by law, to maximize use of goods, products, and materials produced in the United States (2 CFR part 200.322), and o Terminating agreements in whole or in part to the greatest extent authorized by law, if an award no longer effectuates the program goals or agency priorities (2 CFR part 200.340).

3. Reporting

Reporting Requirements: Recipients will be required to submit financial reports and program reports. The award document will specify how often these reports must be submitted. Records should document outcomes and impact as well as progress of the project.

Foreign Assistance Data Review: As required by Congress, the Department of State must make progress in its efforts to improve tracking and reporting of foreign assistance data through the Foreign Assistance Data Review (FADR). The FADR requires tracking of foreign assistance activity data from budgeting, planning, and allocation through obligation and disbursement. Successful applicants will be required to report and draw down federal funding based on the appropriate FADR Data Elements, indicated within their award documentation. In cases of more than one FADR Data Element, typically program or sector and/or regions or country, the successful applicant will be required to maintain separate accounting records.

G. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS

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

H. OTHER INFORMATION

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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