NOFO - Recompete for SNA Stipends - FINAL for POSTING.docx

NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY (NOFO)

Bureau of African Affairs U.S. Department of State

Catalog of Federal Domestic

NOFO Issuance Date: May 15 , 2018

Closing Date for Submission of Complete proposal packages must be submitted through Applications: www.grants.gov by June 29, 2018; 11:59 pm EST

Electronic Requirement: Yes. E-mailed or faxed proposal packages will not be considered

Deadline for Receipt of Questions: ,June 15, 2018, 5:00 pm, EST

Eligibility Category: U.S. - based non-profit/non-governmental organizations having a 501(c) (3) status with the IRS; overseas non-governmental non-profit organizations; Foreign Public Entities (FPEs) and Public International Organizations (PIOs).

Project Duration: 48 months

This funding opportunity is posted on grants.gov and may be amended. Answers to questions from potential applicants will be posted as an attachment to this NOFO. Applicants should regularly check the www.grants.gov website for the most recent information pertaining to this NOFO. Department of State/CT Bureau bears no responsibility for data errors resulting from transmission or conversion processes associated with electronic submissions.

www.sam.gov registration is required to receiving a Federal assistance award. See the Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI) for more information.

All applicants must provide a Unique Entity Identifier, or Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS), when submitting application on Grants.gov. Applicants that do not have a valid DUNS number will be considered ineligible.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The United States Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs announces a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for organizations interested in submitting proposals for a project consisting of the provision of stipends for Somali National Army (SNA) soldiers. The program will focus specifically on providing stipends for Somali forces who are taking part in training and mentorship programs implemented by the Department of State, Department of Defense, and donor partners operating within the Somali security sector. The recipient will be expected to implement the stipend payments through a fully electronic payment system, and designing and implementing oversight mechanisms for the payment process capable of ensuring that the correct personnel are receiving the funds. In addition to providing stipends for SNA personnel, the recipient will be required to provide stipends support to civilian employees of the Somali Ministry of Defense (MOD), including the Child Soldier Protection Unit (CPU).

Subject to the availability of funds, AF intends to issue an award of up to $8,000,000 for a project period of up to 48 months. Pending availability of funding and satisfactory performance, AF may consider adding funds to the award. AF intends to support one (1) award as a result of this NOFO.

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

The Federal award signed by the Grants Officer is the only authorizing document.

This NOFO consists of this cover page plus the following sections:

1. Funding Opportunity Description

1. Award Information and Application Evaluation and Scoring

1. Eligibility Information

1. Agency Contacts

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

I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

BACKGROUND

Since 2009, the United States has provided stipends to SNA forces, with the intent of fostering higher morale, promoting unit cohesion, and reducing incentives to engage in illicit activities. While the Federal Government of Somalia has made admirable progress in standing up functioning security institutions, the absence of regular salary payments for some units has required outside stipends support from donor partners to supplement normal salaries. This program has been especially critical to the success of U.S. Government training and mentorship efforts, which are currently focused on the Danab advanced infantry battalion (AIB). Although stipend payments have traditionally been made in cash, in 2017, these functions shifted to a fully electronic system of payment.

In addition to supporting stipends for the SNA, the United States has also provided stipends to civil servants working within the Somali MOD; most specifically within the CPU. This support is critical to the continued function of the CPU, support for which is a cornerstone of U.S. efforts to address the problem of child soldiers in Somalia, and most specifically within the SNA.

In executing these functions, the recipient will be expected to design mechanisms capable of providing sufficient oversight of the disbursal of funds to ensure that stipends are only paid to authorized individuals. The recipient will be required to operate in a number of difficult environment throughout Somalia, to include Mogadishu, Baledogle, Kismaayo, Galcayo, and new locations that may host future mentored SNA units. The recipient will be expected to ensure its personnel are provided with the equipment and security necessary to ensure they can execute their tasks safely and effectively.

PROJECT’S GOALS

The goal of the project is to ensure that designated units of the SNA and designated civilians in the Somali MOD receive timely stipends support, sufficient to ensure that those units remain cohesive, loyal, and refrain from conducting illicit activities to supplement soldier income.

PROJECT’S OBJECTIVES AND DESCRIPTION

In order to fulfill this purpose and meet this goal, the Stipends Support for the Somali National Army project has 3 key objectives:

· Building on previous U.S. stipend efforts, design and implement a stipends payment system is that is capable of providing stipends electronically to designated SNA units on a monthly basis.

· Building on previous U.S. stipend efforts, design and implement a stipends payment system that is capable of providing stipends electronically to designated MOD civilian personnel on a monthly basis.

· Develop means of providing field-based oversight that is sufficient to ensure that funds are being provided to the intended recipients on a timely and transparent basis.

In order to achieve these three objectives, the recipient will be expected to carry out the following key tasks:

1. On a monthly basis, the recipient shall be prepared to pay stipends for up to 3,000 SNA personnel. Stipends shall be paid at a rate of $120 per month for enlisted personnel, and either $135 or $150 for officers. For the purpose of budgeting, the recipient shall assume:

a. One percent of the personnel (up to 30) shall be paid at the $150 level.

b. Five percent of the personnel (up to 150) shall be paid at the $135 level.

c. Ninety-four percent of the personnel (up to 2,820) shall be paid at the $120 level.

2. In furtherance of these efforts, the recipient shall be prepared for its personnel to assist in the biometric enrollment of new SNA personnel slated to receive the stipends. It is expected that the recipient will assume responsibility for existing systems already in use for biometric enrollment.

3. Each month, the recipient will be expected to consult with U.S. Mission to Somalia and the GOR regarding the intended pay list, and only conduct the payment after receiving explicit approval of the final list from Mission Somalia. The recipient may also be required to liaise with leadership of the SNA units receiving the stipends, as well as U.S. military personnel working with the target units.

4. All payments shall be conducted electronically, unless such electronic payments shall prove to be technically impossible. In those cases, the recipient may proceed with cash payment, but only after seeking permission from the GOR and Mission Somalia.

5. The recipient will be expected to employ sufficient personnel to conduct on-the-ground verification as necessary to ensure that stipends are reaching their intended recipients.

6. In furtherance of both project implementation and oversight activities, the recipient shall be prepared to travel to, at a minimum:

a. Mogadishu, Somalia

b. Baledogle, Somalia

c. Kismaayo, Somalia

d. Galcayo, Somalia

e. The recipient shall also be prepared to travel to major cities in other sectors that are slated to host elements of Danab under the National Security Architecture, including towns in SNA Sectors 27 and 54.

7. Although the recipient should utilize existing transportation options to the maximum extent possible (such as UN Support Office for Somalia (UNSOS) flights), the recipient shall be prepared to contract for transportation to forward locations as well, whether through reimbursement of special flight requests for UNSOS or through charter flights.

8. The recipient shall be prepared to coordinate all security requirements with the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and SNA as necessary when traveling to forward locations.

9. The recipient shall be prepared to coordinate closely with other international organizations with a stake in the development of Somali pay systems, to include the UN and World Bank.

10. In addition, at the request of the GOR, the recipient shall be prepared to coordinate and discuss program activities with other donor partners involved in military stipends programs.

11. The recipient shall be prepared to make monthly stipend payments to members of the Child Soldier Protection Unit within the MOD. Total budget for this requirement will not exceed $15,000 per month.

12. The recipient shall also be prepared to provide a monthly stipend to one CPU Subject Matter Expert/Consultant employed within the MOD based upon a salary of $36,000 per year, to be paid out on a monthly basis.

BUDGET GUIDANCE

Allowable project costs may include the following:

· Personnel Costs (to include Project Management)

· Equipment Costs

· Travel Costs

· Life-support costs

· Other Direct Costs related to stipends payments

NOTE: Grant funds may not be used for expenses related to building a facility and/or construction. Applicants should assume that all training activities will take place at existing facilities.

II. AWARD INFORMATION AND APPLICATION EVALUATION AND SCORING

The U.S. government may issue one award resulting from this NOFO to those responsible applicants whose application is the most responsive to the goals and objectives set forth in this NOFO. The U.S. government may (a) reject any or all applications, and/or (b) waive informalities and minor irregularities in applications received.

The U.S. government may make an award on the basis of initial applications received with or without discussion or negotiations. Therefore, applications should contain the applicant’s best terms from a cost and technical standpoint.

It is U.S. Department of State policy that English is the official language of all documents.

U.S. dollar is the controlling currency. Proposal and related supporting documents must be English and accompanying budget in U.S. dollars.

Applicants should note that the following criteria will serve as a standard against which all applications will be evaluated. Department of State will issue an award to the applicant whose proposal represents the best value to the U.S. Government on the basis of technical merit, efficient use of U.S. government funds, and satisfactory organizational capacity. In addition, each application will be evaluated and scored on the Proposal Components using a 100-point scale.

Bureau will conduct a merit review of all eligible applications as outlined in this NOFO. Applications will be reviewed by an independent review panel consisting of qualified representatives from other DOS bureaus and offices or Posts/U.S. Embassies. Final approval resides with the DOS Grants Office.

Based on eligible applications that are responsive to the requirements outlined above, the review panel will apply the following criteria when rating proposals:

Quality of Project Idea (Total Possible 20 points)

· The project idea responds to the solicitation and appropriate in the country context (5)

· The project idea exhibits originality but is feasible (5)

· The project idea clearly states a theory of change (5)

· The project idea directly connects proposed activities and the desired results (5)

Project Planning/Ability to Achieve Objectives (Total Possible 20 points)

· The proposal provides a detailed work plan of proposed project activities and includes a clear articulation of how the proposed project activities contribute to the overall project objectives (10)

· The proposal articulates the project activities that are specific, measurable, attainable, and placed in a reasonable timeframe (SMART) (5)

· The proposal includes contingency recommendations for potential difficulties in executing the original work plan (5)

Organizational Capability and Record of Performance (Total Possible 35 points)

· The proposal demonstrates an institutional record of successful projects in target regions (Somalia and broader East Africa region) (10)

· The proposal articulates past performance and experience in working with relevant host governments, organizations, and/or with local communities (7)

· The proposal describes the division of labor among the direct applicant organization and any partners; addresses how the project will engage or obtain support from relevant stakeholders; and identifies local partner organizations to assist in implementation where appropriate (8)

· The proposal clearly states the roles and responsibilities of primary staff. Proposed personnel and organizational resources should be adequate and appropriate to achieve the project's goals (10)

Cost Effectiveness (Total Possible 10 points)

· The overhead and administration of the proposal budget, including salaries and honoraria, are explained and justified for the work involved (5)

· All budget items are allocable, reasonable and necessary, and linked to program objectives and demonstrate efficient use of U.S. Government funds (5)

Note: Cost share is not required. Applicants may offer cost share, however cost share will not be considered or factored during when proposals are reviewed.

Project Monitoring and Evaluation (Total Possible 15 points)

· The Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Plan includes:

· Narrative explaining how monitoring and evaluation will be carried out and who will be responsible for monitoring and evaluation activities (including potential contracted M&E experts) (8)

· Table listing by project objectives the output- and outcome-based performance indicators with baselines and (yearly and cumulative) targets; data collection tools; data sources; types of data disaggregation, if applicable; and frequency of monitoring and evaluation (7)

APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION:

Please refer to the Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI) for more information and complete instructions on how to apply to this NOFO, including information on format. Please use both the PSI and the announcement to ensure that the proposal package submission is in full compliance with the requirements. Proposal submissions that do not meet all of the requirements outlined in the NOFO and PSI will not be considered.

FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION:

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

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, a final award cannot be made until funds have been fully appropriated, allocated, and committed through internal DOS/CT Bureau 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.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application package has been received by Grants.gov in its entirety. Incomplete applications will be considered ineligible.

The Department of State bears no responsibility for data errors resulting from transmission or conversion processes associated with electronic submissions.

The Federal award signed by the Grants Officer is the only authorizing document.

Reporting Requirements Recipient will be required to submit Quarterly Progress Reports and Quarterly Financial Reports (SF-425), unless special conditions apply, describing key activities undertaken during the quarter towards accomplishment of the stated objectives. Progress Reports will compare actual to planned performance and indicate the progress made in accomplishing each assistance award task/goal noted in the grant agreement and will contain analysis and summary of findings, both quantitative and qualitative, for key indicators. Financial Reports provide a means of monitoring expenditures and comparing costs incurred with progress.

NOTE: It is Department of State policy that English is the official language of all documents. If reports or any supporting documents are provided in both English and a foreign language, it must be stated in each version that the English language version is the controlling version.

U.S. dollar is the controlling currency.

Mandatory disclosures (2 CFR 200.113) Non-federal entity, recipient or applicant for a federal award must disclose, in a timely manner, in writing to the federal awarding agency or pass-through entity all violations of federal criminal law involving fraud, bribery, or gratuity violations potentially affecting the federal award. Non-federal entities that have received a Federal award including the term and condition outlined in Appendix XII of the 2 CFR 200—Award Term and Condition for Recipient Integrity and Performance Matters are required to report certain civil, criminal, or administrative proceedings to SAM. Failure to make required disclosures can result in any of the remedies described in §200.338 Remedies for noncompliance, including suspension or debarment.

Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS) A federal awarding agency, prior to making a federal award will review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM (currently FAPIIS) (see 41 U.S.C. 2313). Applicant, at its option, may review information in the designated integrity and performance systems accessible through www.sam.gov and comment on any information about itself that a Federal awarding agency previously entered and is currently in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through www.sam.gov. Federal awarding agency will consider any comments by the applicant, in addition to the other information in the designated integrity and performance system, in making a judgment about the applicant's integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under Federal awards when completing the review of risk posed by applicants as described in §200.205 Federal awarding agency review of risk posed by applicants.

OTHER INFORMATION

Applicant organizations must demonstrate adherence to equal opportunity employment practices and commitment to non-discrimination with respect to beneficiaries. Non-discrimination includes equal treatment without regard to race, religion, ethnicity, gender, and political affiliation. Applicants are reminded that U.S. Executive Orders and U.S. law prohibits transactions with or support to individuals or organizations associated with terrorism.

Proposals that reflect any type of support for any member, affiliate, or representative of a designated to terrorist organization or narcotics trafficker, including elected members of government, will NOT be considered. This provision must be included in any sub‐awards/sub-contracts issued under this award.

III. ELIGIBLITY INFORMATION

Successful applicants will demonstrate the following characteristics:

· Demonstrated prior experience conducting foreign assistance programs involving electronic pay systems, personnel management systems for foreign security forces, and/or biometric registration systems.

· Demonstrated prior experience conducting foreign assistance projects in austere conflict environments, with a particular focus on East Africa and Somalia.

· Demonstrated prior experience conducting assistance programs requiring frequent interaction with foreign security forces, as well as third-party donors and implementers operating in the same sectors.

· Demonstrated capability to mobilize personnel efficiently, and provide necessary life-support and security for employees without donor assistance or intervention.

· Demonstrated capability to emplace sufficient monitoring and verification systems to ensure donor assistance reaches intended recipients.

· Demonstrated capability to effectively vet and oversee local national sub-recipients in a conflict environment.

IV. AGENCY CONTACTS

Any prospective applicant desiring an explanation or interpretation of this NOFO must request it in writing by the deadline for questions specified in the cover letter to allow a reply to reach all prospective applicants before the submission of their applications. Any information given to a prospective applicant concerning this NOFO will be furnished promptly to all other prospective applicants as a ‘Questions and Answers’ attachment to this NOFO, if that information is necessary in submitting applications or if the lack of it would be prejudicial to any other prospective applicants.

Any questions concerning this NOFO should be submitted in writing by email to the Bureau of African Affairs, Chris Tringale at TringaleCS@state.gov under the project title, “Stipends Support for the Somali National Army” the opportunity number, and your organization’s name in the subject line.