NOFO - Security Sector Consortium FINAL 6.14.pdf

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

Executive Summary

Section A: Funding Opportunity Description

A1. Background

A3. Expected Results

A4. Main Activities

A5. Performance Indicators

A6. Substantial Involvement

Section B: Federal Award Information

B 1. Available Funding

B2. Award Management

C1. Eligible Applicants:

C2. Cost-Sharing

C3. Other Eligibility Criteria

D1. Address to request Application Package

D2. Content and Form of Application Submission

D3. Unique entity identifier (UEI) and System for Award Management (www.sam.gov)

D4. Submission Dates and Times

D5. Funding Restrictions

D6. Other Submission Requirements

Section E: Application Review Information

E1. Criteria

E2. Review and Selection Process

E3. Responsibility/Qualification Information in SAM.gov (formerly FAPIIS)

Section F: Federal Award Administration Information

F1. Federal Award Notices

F2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

F3. Reporting

Section G: Federal Awarding Agency Contact

G1. Contacts

Section H: Other information

H1. Conflict of Interest

H2. Applicant Vetting

H3. Marking Policy

H4. Evaluation Policy

H5. Monitoring Site Visits

H6. Privacy Disclosure

NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY (NOFO)

(Bureau of African Affairs, Office of Economic and Regional Affairs)

Announcement Type: New Funding Title: Sub-Saharan Africa Security Sector

Consortium Assistance Instrument Type: Cooperative Agreement Funding Opportunity Number: SFOP0009892 Funding Type: Discretionary Assistance Listings Number: 19.979 Funding Amount: $3,250,000 U.S. Dollars Funding Authority: Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended Source of Funding: Economic Support Funds (ESF) and

Peacekeeping Operations (PKO) Funding Funding Activity Category: Other Cost Sharing Requirement: Not Required Number of Awards: One award Project Duration: 18 months with the possibility of an extension, pending available funds and successful performance

Key Dates: 1. Application must be submitted by 11:59 P.M. Eastern Standard Time (EST) on July 31, 2023

2. Questions must be submitted by 11:59 P.M. Eastern Standard Time (EST) on July 20, 2023

3. Notification of recommended for funding proposal expected by August 14, 2023.

Application Submission: Application must be submitted through www.grants.gov.

Electronic Requirement: Yes Eligibility Category: U.S. private institutions of higher education

(universities and colleges);

http://www.grants.gov/

U.S. public and state-controlled institutions of higher education (universities and colleges);

Public International Organizations (PIOs);

U.S.- based non-profit/non-governmental 501(c)(3) status with the IRS.

Pursuant to 2 CFR 200.400, it is a U.S. Department of State policy not to award profit under federal assistance instruments. For-profit and commercial firms are eligible to apply in response to this NOFO.

Type of Applicant: Organizations only. Individuals are not eligible to apply.

Number of Applications: One (1) per applicant organization.

NOTE: Organizations may form consortia and submit a combined proposal. However, only one organization must be designated as the lead applicant. The lead applicant must meet the eligibility criteria listed above.

Executive Summary

The Bureau of African Affairs (AF) of the U.S. Department of State (DOS) announces this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit Security Sector Consortium.

AF invites eligible and qualified organizations to submit proposals that will work with civil society groups engaged in the security sector across Sub-Saharan Africa.

The proposals should identify needs and opportunities to build the capacity of civil society organizations engaged in the security sector to produce mutually beneficial outcomes for security providers and citizens. Suitable project proposals will include an implementation plan for effective identification of these groups and their viewpoints by conducting a wide-spread, multi-regional survey and needs assessment. This survey and its findings will be used to convene meetings of like-minded groups across Sub-Saharan Africa to discuss the results, share best practices, and develop strategies to improve civil society’s security sector engagement. These meetings will help build a network of civil society partnerships across Sub-Saharan Africa that will sustain itself after the program ends.

Subject to the availability of funds, AF intends to issue one award not to exceed a total of $3,250,000 for a project period of up to 18 months, $250,000 of which should be used to facilitate military participation across both phases of the project. Pending availability of funding and successful implementation of the project, AF may consider adding funds and time to the award in the form of a cost-extension, pending successful performance and availability of funds.

AF reserves the right to fund any or none of the proposals submitted and reserves the right to reduce, revise, or increase the proposal’s 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.

Section A: Funding Opportunity Description

A1. Background

When building strong government institutions and ensuring oversight and accountability, civil society voices must be included. In the security sector, civil society members may train security forces including the military; raise public awareness of issues around security sector governance; aid in the planning, management, and budgeting of expenditures to civilian leadership in foreign governments; share best practices among regional partners; support conflict prevention and mitigation processes; and promote accountability mechanisms. A strong and engaged civil society could help increase the capacity, transparency, respect, and legitimacy of security institutions; bolster public confidence; reduce waste and overall costs associated with security and civilian protection; and create a safer working environment for security sector professionals in the field.

This project will build upon these themes, along with goals raised during the U.S.- Africa Leaders Summit, to connect like-minded groups across the region.

A2. Program Goals and Objectives

The overall goals and objectives of this program are (1) to build the capacity of civil society engaged in the security sector, and (2) to produce mutually beneficial outcomes for security providers and the citizens they serve. This project is intended to span four regions of Sub-Saharan Africa (West, Central, East, and South) and should specifically include the following countries: Kenya and South Africa.

The project will be carried out in two phases. The first phase aims to produce a high-quality survey to identify the needs and wants of civil society organizations across the sub-continent. This extensive survey will be used to help inform future U.S. government programming to support and strengthen civil society across Sub- Saharan Africa.

The implementing organization, in collaboration with the USG, will be responsible for creating methods to sustain the program after the original grant is complete.

Following the successful conduct of the survey, the program will shift toward network building to expand the reach of civil society organizations and create and sustain these networks long after the program is over.

To support the goals and objectives outlined, the following activities are required:

• Activity 1: Conduct an overarching survey of civil society perceptions around security sector performance, professionalism, and accountability, as well as perceptions of USG engagement in security sectors.

• Activity 2: Coordinate a series of sub-regional meetings to discuss the results of the survey, share best practices, and develop strategies for improving security sector performance and accountability with both civilian and military leaders and sustaining networks and connections across the continent.

Greater detail on these objectives is outlined in Section A4 below.

Recipients will be required to coordinate with the Department of State to ensure compliance with the human rights vetting requirements under the Leahy Law for those activities that benefit security forces.

A3. Expected Results

Based on the goals and objectives of the program, expected results include, but are not limited to:

• Strengthened understanding and knowledge of current civil-society organizational networks contributing to security sector reform;

• Improved security sector performance and accountability with civilian and military leaders;

• Bolstered cross-continent networks of civil society groups and organizations that can thrive beyond initial USG investment.

A4. Main Activities

The project will take place across the four regions of Sub-Saharan Africa (West, East, Central, and South). The selected implementing partner should suggest countries to focus data collection and capacity building efforts, but the list of focus countries should span all four regions and should include the countries of

Kenya and South Africa. The final list of countries must be represented in all phases of the project. The implementing partner will coordinate with the USG to determine additional countries of focus.

The project activities should align with the expected results and objective of the project. The implementing partner should offer a realistic picture of what is achievable given the wide range of topics and geographic reach of this program.

The implementing partner should clearly demonstrate how it will meet the expected results by the end of the project. The objectives should be measurable, results-focused, and achievable within the timeframe of the project.

All activities should be clearly developed and sufficiently detailed to understand the resources needed and time requirements, and how they contribute to the objective of strengthening. During all phases of the project, please identify target areas for project phases; target participant groups or selection criteria for participants; how the project will engage USG and non-USG local stakeholder; and the sustainability prospects of these activities.

These activities will be conducted over two phases. Implementing partners can choose to submit a proposal for Phase I or Phase II, or both phases together. Each phase should be budgeted at the figure outlined below.

Phase I (Recommended Target: $2,125,000): Draft and disseminate a survey assessing the quality of civil society focused on security sector performance, professionalism, and accountability, as well as perceptions of USG security sector assistance. $125,000 of this funding must be used for engagement with military security stakeholders. See B.1. for additional guidance on breakdown of funding for this phase.

Phase II (Recommended Target: $1,125,000): Bring together civil society actors, either in groups or with other African government security organizations, in a series of subregional meetings to discuss the results of the survey, share best practices, and develop strategies for improving security sector performance and accountability with both civilian and military leaders and sustaining networks and connections across the continent. $125,000 of this funding must be used for military security stakeholders. See B.1. for additional guidance on breakdown of funding for this phase.

A5. Performance Indicators

The award Recipient will be required to monitor and report on performance indicators relevant to the Scope of Work, activities, and expected results of the program as articulated in this NOFO. Details should be included on what sources of data will be used to document performance. Indicators should be relevant to the goals or objectives of the program. If/when an award is made, the USG will work with the final selected Applicant to develop a holistic set of indicators, including indicators provided by both the USG and the Applicant.

Illustrative performance indicators should reference an existing baseline and should include at least one indicator for each of the anticipated results. Examples may include:

• Number of civil society organizations surveyed with outputs. (Result 1)

• Number of project recipient countries which make defense budgets publicly available. (Result 2)

• Number of violent incidents reported between civilians and security sector personnel by Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) within targeted countries in a 12-month period. (Result 2)

• Number of newly established civil society networks. (Result 3)

• Number of independently coordinated formal engagements between CSOs and military organizations in a 12-month period. (Result 3)

• Percent of participating CSOs reporting military personnel engaging local staff when deployed outside the capital city within a 3-month period.

(Result 3)

The Implementer will be responsible for reporting on each performance indicator included in the cooperative agreement as well as analysis of progress or impediments to reach indicator targets. Indicators will be chosen carefully to reflect the key outcomes or outputs that reflect project performance. DOS, per policy, assesses the quality of data reported by the Implementer as part of the award activities, therefore applicants should be aware that the Implementer will be engaged in data quality assessments. Indicators and their disaggregates will be selected after discussion with the recommended Applicant.

Final indicators will be outlined in the award Agreement, and suggested indicators should be included in the applicant’s proposal.

A6. Substantial Involvement

This award will be a cooperative agreement, requiring substantial involvement on the part of AF, including close collaboration and approval of the findings in Phase I before beginning work on Phase II. Examples of substantial involvement will include but are not limited to:

• Implementation Development: AF will review and approve agendas and participants related to workshops and/or conferences and/or countries selected for the survey organized by the Recipient;

• AF will provide concurrence on engagement with regional entities (ECOWAS, AU, etc.), civil society partnerships, and data collection and survey organization engagement, when it is on behalf of the program;

• Approval of Survey Deliverable as a part of completion of Objective 1;

• Monitoring and Evaluation: AF will oversee and review all aspects of monitoring and evaluation of project activities, including:

o Determining project indicators and data collection/aggregation;

o Formulating monitoring framework, performance monitoring plan, etc.;

Areas of substantial involvement will be specified and outlined in the final Agreement.

Section B: Federal Award Information

B 1. Available Funding

This notice is subject to availability of funding. Overall grant making authority for this program is contained in the Foreign Assistance Act of

1961, (Economic Support Fund and Peacekeeping Operations Funds) and several funding restrictions apply, to include country-applicant restrictions.

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

The Department of State may consider continuing the program funded under this award beyond the initial period of performance on a non-competitive basis subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the program, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the U.S.

Department of State and USG.

Out of the full award of $3,250,000, a total of $250,000 in Peacekeeping Operations (PKO) funding should be used during programming to support legally eligible military participants as approved by the GOR and the AF Bureau’s Leahy Vetter. No funds will be used to support the involvement of USG personnel as their own agencies and/or bureaus will support their attendance.

B2. Award Management

The successful applicant will need to routinely collaborate with AF through regular meetings and conference calls to discuss progress, challenges, emerging topics, etc.

The successful applicant must ensure that all funds are used in a manner consistent with any applicable restrictions on funding. See D5 below for funding restrictions.

Section C. Eligibility Information

C1. Eligible Applicants:

See page 3, Eligibility Category.

In the submission of their proposal, applicants should:

• Demonstrate past performance, experience, and expertise in security sector capacity building in Sub-Saharan Africa.

• Demonstrate in-depth understanding of the political landscapes, sensitivities, history, and culture of countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.

• Emphasize the development of an institutional framework, training, and sustainability model that encourages transparency and collaboration.

• Identify ways to engage with the array of civil society actors, international nongovernmental organizations, public international organizations, and other key stakeholders.

• Demonstrate how the applicant would support sustainability initiatives under the program after the first 18 months of the program.

If the Department of State issues an award, it will be to the application that represents the best value to the U.S. Government based on technical merit, efficient use of U.S. Government funds, and satisfactory organizational capacity. The Department of State reserves the right to make an award based on the initial application received with or without discussion or negotiations.

Therefore, applications should contain the Applicants’ best terms from both cost and technical standpoints. Applicants should also demonstrate in-depth understanding of a wide range of governance structures.

C2. Cost-Sharing

The non-Federal share of costs, frequently called “cost share” or “matching costs”, refers to that portion of the project or program costs not borne by the Federal Government. This may include cash and third-party in-kind contributions.

These costs must reflect the realistic capacity of the applicants and any third-party contributors.

Cost-sharing is not required. Providing cost-sharing, matching, or cost participation is not an eligibility requirement for this funding opportunity and will not be factored in during the merit review of proposals.

Note: If cost-share is included in the budget, the applicant must maintain written records to support all allowable costs that are claimed as its contribution to cost-share, as well as costs to be paid by the Federal government. Such records are subject to audit. In the event the applicant does not meet the minimum amount of cost-sharing as stipulated in the applicant’s budget, DOS contribution may be reduced in proportion to the Applicant’s contribution.

C3. Other Eligibility Criteria

In order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a unique entity identifier (UEI), as well as a valid registration on www.sam.gov. Please see Section D.3 for information on how to obtain these registrations.

Applicants, including U.S. affiliates of international organizations must provide a valid Unique Entity Identification (UEI), and completed www.sam.gov registration when submitting application on www.grants.gov in response to this NOFO.

Applicants that do not have a valid UEI and completed www.sam.gov registration will NOT be eligible for consideration. Implementing partners/sub-recipient organizations are required to have a valid UEI number.

Applicants listed on the Excluded Parties List System (EPLS) in the System for Award Management (SAM) are 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 listed on the EPLS can participate in any activities under an award. All applicants are strongly encouraged to review the EPLS in SAM to ensure that no ineligible entity is included.

Organizations must have a commitment to equal opportunity employment practices and to non-discrimination practices regarding beneficiaries, without regard to race, religion, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or political affiliation.

Organizations may only submit one application per organization. If more than one application is submitted by an organization, only the first application received will be reviewed for eligibility and funding.

Section D: Application and Submission Information http://www.sam.gov/ http://www.sam.gov/

D1. Address to request Application Package

Applicants can find application forms on www.grants.gov under the announcement title and funding opportunity number provided above.

Once the NOFO deadline has passed, DOS may not discuss this competition with any applicant until the proposal review process has been completed.

D2. Content and Form of Application Submission

Please follow both, the Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI) and the NOFO, to ensure that the proposal package submission is in full compliance with the requirements. Please also follow the guidelines in the attached PSI for additional application submission instructions, including information on required documents and format. Proposal submissions that do not meet all the requirements outlined in this NOFO and the associated PSI will not be considered.

Any prospective applicant who has questions concerning the contents of this NOFO should submit them by email to the contacts listed in Section G by the time and date listed on the cover page of the NOFO. Please refer to the funding opportunity number and title.

Any updates about this NOFO will also be posted on www.grants.gov.

D3. Unique entity identifier (UEI) and System for Award

Management (www.sam.gov)

Required Registrations:

The Unique Entity Identifier (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. www.sam.gov is the Federal government's primary database for complying with FFATA reporting requirements. OMB designated www.sam.gov as the central repository to facilitate applicant and recipient use of http://www.grants.gov.

a single public website that consolidates data on all federal financial assistance. Under the law, it is mandatory to obtain a UEI number and register in www.sam.gov.

UEI is assigned by www.sam.gov assigned to organizations that have to register/or renew their www.sam.gov registration.

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 they do need a UEI number prior to registering in SAM.gov. This guidance and instructions are to the best of our knowledge available at the time of posting this solicitation. Where guidance in this NOFO differs from the www.sam.gov website, SAM.gov prevails, and the applicant is encouraged to seek and document clarity provided by the SAM.gov helpdesk.

www.sam.gov requires all entities to renew their registration once a year in order to maintain an active registration status. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure it has an active registration in www.sam.gov.

If an organization plans to sub-contract or sub-award any of the funds under an award, those sub-recipient organizations must also have a unique entity identifier

(UEI number). www.sam.gov registration is not required.

If an organization does not have an active registration in www.sam.gov prior to submitting an application in response to this NOFO, the application will be deemed ineligible. All organizations applying for USG federal assistance awards

(except individuals) must obtain these registrations. Please note that registration is free of charge.

Note: The process of obtaining a www.sam.gov registration may take from 2-8 weeks or longer. Please begin your registration as early as possible. Numerous errors require correction, such as an address mismatch, and can delay final registration. If the application is not corrected within 90 calendar days of original registration/or renewal submission, it will be automatically deleted and the organization will need to re-start the process.

https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sam.gov%2F&data=04%7C01%7CChagnonRX%40state.gov%7Ccff17d24a6904724ce4008d9e0fce293%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C637788198997747268%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=93dwoZMkI1HwCxusuuIorVeeVcngkEaPBl0DcloQkVc%3D&reserved=0 http://www.sam.gov/ https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sam.gov%2F&data=04%7C01%7CChagnonRX%40state.gov%7Ccff17d24a6904724ce4008d9e0fce293%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C637788198997747268%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=93dwoZMkI1HwCxusuuIorVeeVcngkEaPBl0DcloQkVc%3D&reserved=0

An exemption from this requirement may be permitted on a case-by-case basis if the applicant’s identity must be protected due to possible endangerment of their mission. Organizations requesting an exemption should email the point of contact listed in Section G of this NOFO.

D4. Submission Dates and Times

Applicants are urged to begin the application process well before the submission deadline as stated on page 3. No exceptions will be made for organizations that have not completed the necessary steps. Grants.gov automatically log 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. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

D5. Funding Restrictions

The following activities and costs are not covered under this announcement (this list is NOT exhaustive):

• Construction or renovations is not an allowable activity under this award;

• Projects intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the applicant organization;

• Projects seeking funds for personal use;

• Administration of a project that will make a profit;

• Expenses incurred before or after the specified dates of award period of performance (unless prior written approval is received);

• Projects designed to advocate policy views or positions of foreign governments or views of a particular political faction;

• Alcoholic beverages;

• Costs of entertainment, including amusement, diversion, and social activities, and any associated costs, are unallowable, except where specific costs that might otherwise be considered entertainment have a programmatic purpose and are authorized either in the approved budget for the federal award or with prior written approval of the Grants Officer.

Representation by Organization Regarding a Delinquent Tax Liability or a Felony Criminal Conviction: In accordance with section 7073 of Division K of the

Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014 (Public Law 113-76) none of the funds made available by that Act may be used to enter into an assistance award with any organization that –

(1) Was “convicted of a felony criminal violation under any Federal law within the preceding 24 months, where the awarding agency has direct knowledge of the conviction, unless the agency has considered, in accordance with its procedures, that this further action is not necessary to protect the interests of the Government”; or

(2) Has any “unpaid Federal tax liability that has been assessed for which all judicial and administrative remedies have been exhausted or have lapsed, and that is not being paid in a timely manner pursuant to an agreement with the authority responsible for collecting the tax liability, unless the Federal agency has considered, in accordance with its procedures, that this further action is not necessary to protect the interests of the Government.”

For the purposes of Section 7073, it is the Department of State’s policy that no award may be made to any organization covered by (1) or (2) above, unless the Procurement Executive has made a written determination that suspension or debarment is not necessary to protect the interests of the U.S. Government.

D6. Other Submission Requirements

It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that it has an active registration in Grants.gov and that an application has been received by the system in its entirety. DOS bears no responsibility for disqualification that results from applicants not being registered before the due date or for data errors resulting from transmission or conversion processes.

Section E: Application Review Information

E1. Criteria

If the Department of State issues an award, it will be to the applicant whose proposal represents the best value to the U.S. Government based on technical merit, efficient use of U.S. Government funds, and satisfactory organizational capacity. In addition, the organization must demonstrate adequate financial management capability to be measured by a responsibility determination.

Applications should contain the applicant’s best terms from both cost and technical standpoints. The implementing partners (sub-recipients) of the primary Recipient will be subject to Department of State approval.

Eligible applications will be evaluated by an independent review panel consisting of subject matter experts from other DOS bureaus/or offices, U.S. Embassies, and/or other U.S. Government agencies. Final approval resides with the DOS Grants Officer. The decision for the final eligibility and award determination rests with the Grants Officer.

The following criteria will serve as a standard, which all eligible applications will be evaluated against. Each eligible application will be evaluated and scored on the review criteria using a 100-point scale.

The review panel will apply the following criteria when rating proposals:

1. Quality and Feasibility of Project Idea (30 points)

• The proposal responds to the NOFO and demonstrates the Applicant’s knowledge of the root problems of civil society working in the security sector in the suggested countries or regions in Sub- Saharan Africa found in A2;

• The program idea is well developed, with detail about how program activities will be carried out, including a clear articulation of how these activities will contribute to the overall project’s goals and objectives along with a reasonable implementation timeline.

2. Organizational Capacity and Record of Performance (20 points):

• The organization has qualified personnel required for the implementation of the program. The organization has the internal controls in place to manage federal funds;

• The proposal provides a description of the applicant organization – including its general purpose, goals, annual budget, and past performance working with a wide range of civil society actors across

Sub-Saharan Africa, including past and current activities that are related to the scope of work of this NOFO;

• The proposal includes details of demonstrated experience conducting multi-region qualitative surveys of civil society, working with security sector assistance, and engaging existing civil society networks and organizations across Sub-Saharan Africa.

3. Program Planning and Ability to Achieve Objectives (15 points)

• The goals and objectives are clearly stated, and the program approach is clearly outlined.

• The proposal includes a clear articulation of how these activities are likely to provide maximum impact in achieving the proposed results.

• The proposal outlines the expected and achievable results for the project and includes all aspects identified in section A.

4. Financial Capacity and Cost Effectiveness (10 points):

• All budget items are allocable, reasonable, and necessary, and linked to project objectives and demonstrate efficient use of U.S.

government funds.

• All costs, including salaries and honoraria, are explained, and justified, for the work involved.

• The funding clearly demonstrates efficient use of USG funds.

• The budget is sufficient and reasonable for all activities.

5. Performance Monitoring, Evaluating, and Learning (MEL) (10 points):

• The applicant demonstrates ability to measure program success and to indicate progress toward goals outlined in the proposal.

• The proposal includes an explanation of how data and information will be collected, analyzed and used, specifically during Phase I of the project.

6. Sustainability of Impact/Multiplier Effect (15 points)

• The proposal provides an outline of how program activities will continue to have positive impact after the end of the program.

• The proposal clearly demonstrates how the activities proposed will result in long-term capacity building for civil society across Sub- Saharan Africa.

• The proposal outlines possibilities for institutionalization of the civil society networks that can thrive beyond USG investment through partnerships or mentorships with a local organization, university, etc.

Cost Review: Costs will be reviewed for reasonableness, allowability, allocability, and cost-effectiveness of the use of USG funds. The review of cost-effectiveness will include an examination of the application’s budget detail to ensure it is a realistic financial expression of the proposed project and does not contain estimated costs that are not allocable, reasonable, or allowable.

Applications that maximize direct activity costs and minimize administrative costs are encouraged. Other considerations are the completeness of the application, adequacy of budget detail, and consistency with elements of the technical application. In addition, the organization must demonstrate adequate financial management capability to be measured by a responsibility determination. Final approval of the budget resides with the Grants Officer.

E2. Review and Selection Process

Applications will first be reviewed to determine technical eligibility.

All technically eligible applications will move forward to the merit review panel. Applications will be reviewed against the same criteria as listed above. Applications will be scored based on the strengths and weaknesses of the afore-mentioned categories and for consistency with the program goals and objectives outlined in this NOFO.

The Merit Review Panel may provide conditions and recommendations to enhance the recommended proposal, which must be addressed by the applicant before further consideration of the award. To ensure effective use of US Government funds, conditions or recommendations may include requests to increase, decrease, clarify, and/or justify costs and project activities.

E3. Responsibility/Qualification Information in SAM.gov (formerly FAPIIS)

The Department of State, prior to making a federal award with a total amount of federal share greater than the simplified acquisition threshold, is required to review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM (formerly FAPIIS) (see 41 U.S.C. 2313).

The applicant, at its option, may review 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. Currently, federal agencies create integrity records in the integrity module of the Contractor Performance Assessment and Reporting System (CPARS) and these records are visible as responsibility/qualification records in SAM.gov.

The Department of State 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.

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 or a designate 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.

• U.S. 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 under DOS-funded projects are responsible for complying with all applicable tax treaties and federal, state, and local laws on tax withholding and reporting for project participants.

Section F: Federal Award Administration Information

F1. Federal Award Notices

Successful applicant will be notified via email. This email may include a request for the applicant to respond to panel conditions and recommendations. This notification is not an authorization to begin activities and does not constitute formal approval or a funding commitment.

Additional information that successful applicants may be required to submit after notification of intent to make a Federal award, but prior to issuance of a Federal award, may include:

• Written responses and any revised application documents addressing any conditions or recommendations from the Review Panel and awarding bureau;

• Completion of the Department’s Financial Management Survey, if receiving funding for the first time or requested by the Grants Officer;

• Submission of required documents to register in the Payment Management System (PMS) managed by the Department of Health and Human Services if receiving funding for the first time. PMS registration is bureau-specific;

• Other requested information or documents included in this funding opportunity or subsequent communications with the recommended applicant prior to issuance of a Federal award.

Final approval is also contingent on Congressional Notification requirements being met and final review and approval by the Department’s Grants Officer.

The Grants Officer is the U.S. Government official delegated the authority by the U.S. Department of State, Procurement Executive to write, award, and administer grants and cooperative agreements. The Award Agreement is the sole authorizing document and will be provided to winning organization electronically through DOS SAMS Domestic. Organizations whose applications will not be funded will be notified in writing.

Issuance of this NOFO and negotiation of the recommended proposal does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the U.S. Government, nor does it commit the USG to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of proposals. Furthermore, the USG reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received.

Award cannot be issued until funds have been fully appropriated, allocated, and committed through internal DOS procedures. While it is anticipated that these procedures will be successfully completed, potential applicants are hereby notified of these requirements. All preparation and submission costs are at the Applicant’s expense.

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

2 CFR §200.501 requires domestic/US non-federal entities that expend $750,000, or more, in federal assistance during organization’s fiscal year to have a single or program-specific audit conducted for that year. In addition, the entity must report the collected audit data elements on the form SF-SAC and submit it to the FAC. Any findings such as material weaknesses, significant deficiencies, or material noncompliance are reported on the SF-SAC.

F2. 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

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=pt2.1.25&rgn=div5

• 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:

o The President’s September 2, 2020 memorandum, entitled Memorandum on Reviewing Funding to State and Local Government Recipients of Federal Funds that Are Permitting Anarchy, Violence, and Destruction in American Cities;

o Executive Order on Protecting American Monuments, Memorials, and Statues and Combating Recent Criminal Violence (E.O. 13933); and o 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 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/ https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=81a5f41de81c46a9844617d93a9db081&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=81a5f41de81c46a9844617d93a9db081&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5

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).

Applicants should plan to coordinate with AF throughout the course of the agreement to ensure assistance is provided only to eligible participants.

F3. Reporting

The Foreign Assistance Data Review (FADR)

FADR is an initiative at the Department of State to improve the overall quality, reliability, and availability of foreign assistance data to provide Congress, Department leadership and the public with an accurate picture of the Department’s foreign assistance portfolios. FADR affects how foreign assistance is tracked and accounted for. Geographical and program area information is now coded within the subaccount/award number and now it is possible to assign more than one Benefitting Country/Program Area to a single award if applicable.

Where there is more than one line of accounting, your award will indicate specific fiscal information corresponding to FADR. Recipients will be required to work with the awarding Bureau to clearly identify the PMS account; corresponding FADR country/program area (if applicable); amounts of federal share and cost-share as well as instructions on reporting and requesting payment.

Financial Reports

The Recipient will be required to submit quarterly financial reports (unless stipulated otherwise in the final Agreement) throughout the project period, using form SF-425, the Federal Financial Report form. If payment is made through the Payment Management System, all financial reports must be submitted electronically through the Payment Management System. The Recipient will also be required to upload to SAMS Domestic a pdf version of all financial reports (Federal Financial report) they have submitted in the Payment Management System. Form (SF-425) can be found here: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/post-award-reporting-forms.html#sortby=1

Progress Reporting

The Recipient will be required to upload quarterly progress reports (unless stipulated otherwise in the final Agreement) to the award file in SAMS Domestic. Progress reports must be submitted quarterly unless otherwise stipulated in the Agreement; the frequency will be determined by DOS prior to award.

Progress reports should also reflect the Recipient’s continued focus on measuring the project’s impact on the overarching goals or problems the project set out to address. An assessment of the overall project impact, as appropriate, should be included in each quarterly project report.

Final Reports

The final summary financial and progress reports will be due no later than 120 calendar days after the end date of the award or termination of all project activities. The Final Progress Report shall include the following elements:

executive summary, successes, outcomes, best practices, and how the project will be sustained. Additional guidance may be provided prior to the award end date.

NOTE: Delays in reporting may result in delays of payment approvals and failure to provide required reports may jeopardize the recipient’s ability to receive future U.S. government funds.

AF reserves the right to request any additional programmatic and/or financial project information during the award period of performance.

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/post-award-reporting-forms.html#sortby=1 https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/post-award-reporting-forms.html#sortby=1

NOTE: It is the Department of State policy that English is the official language of all award documents. If reports or any other 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. Financial reports must be submitted in U.S. dollars.

Section G: Federal Awarding Agency Contact

G1. Contacts

Please direct all questions to the Security Sector Consortium Inbox at

AF-DRG-Grants@state.gov.

G2. Questions

Any prospective applicant who has questions concerning the content of this NOFO must email them to the contact listed above with the subject “[Applicant’s Name] [NOFO title and Funding Opportunity Number ].” To maintain fairness and transparency in competition, AF will not respond to any questions via email.

All questions must be submitted via email to the contact listed above by the deadline stated on page 3. AF will periodically create a document of submitted questions with answers and post them in grants.gov. Questions and answers will be posted within 2-3 business days following receipt. Prospective applicants are advised to regularly review the announcement page in grants.gov for any updates. Note that once the NOFO deadline has passed, DOS staff in Washington, D.C. may not discuss this completion with applicants until the review process has been completed.

With the exception of technical submission questions, during the solicitation period DOS staff shall not discuss this competition with applicants until the entire proposal review process has been completed and an award has been made.

The information in this NOFO is binding and may not be modified by any awarding bureau representative.

Explanatory information provided by any awarding bureau that contradicts this language will not be binding.

Section H: Other information

H1. Conflict of Interest

In accordance with applicable Federal awarding agency policy, applicants must disclose in writing any potential conflict of interest to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity.

H2. Applicant Vetting

N/A

H3. Marking Policy

Applicants are advised that recipients and sub-recipients of Federal assistance awards are subject to the State Department’s Marking Policy. More information on this policy can be found in Section N of the Department of State’s Standard Terms and Conditions:

https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/U.S.-Department-of- State-Standard-Terms-and-Conditions-10-21-2020-508.pdf

H4. Evaluation Policy

Applicants are advised that recipients and sub-recipients of Federal assistance awards are subject to the Department of State Evaluation Policy. More information on this policy can be found here: https://www.state.gov/guidance-for-the-design-monitoring-and-evaluation-policy-at-the-department-of-state/

H5. Monitoring Site Visits

A monitoring site visit, at least once during the…