NOFO SGP 2025 - Mission Kazakhstan.docx

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

Small Grants Program U.S. Mission to Kazakhstan, Department of State Opportunity number: DOS-KAZ-AST-AEECA-25-001 Application deadline: February 28, 2025

Table of Contents

U.S Department of State SCA/U.S. Mission to Kazakhstan, Public Diplomacy Section Notice of Funding Opportunity

A. BASIC INFORMATION

1. Overview

Funding Instrument Type: Grant or cooperative agreement. Cooperative agreements include substantial involvement of the bureau or U.S. Mission to Kazakhstan in program implementation of the project.

Project Performance Period: Proposed projects should be completed in 12 months or less.

Support for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA): All programs should consider strategies for expanding the pool of individuals/organizations/beneficiaries to afford opportunities for as diverse and inclusive population as is feasible to bring diverse perspectives based on religion, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, sex characteristics, national origin, and age to implementation of the program.

This notice is subject to availability of funding. The Public Diplomacy Section reserves the right to award less or more than the funds described under circumstances deemed to be in the best interest of the U.S. government, pending the availability of funds and approval of the designated grants officer.

2. Executive Summary The U.S. Mission to Kazakhstan Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce funding is available through the Embassy’s Small Grants Program. This program supports the democratic development and strengthening of Kazakhstan’s government institutions and civil society by competitively awarding small grants to Kazakhstan’s nonprofit, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and associations, to nonprofit civil society organizations (CSOs), and to independent local media organizations.

The Public Diplomacy Sections (PDS) in Astana and Almaty are soliciting proposals for grants from Kazakhstan’s civil society and independent media organizations that focus on one of the priority areas/themes specified below under Section C. Applicants should pay close attention to the Public Diplomacy Section’s goals, priority program areas, and target audiences when developing their proposals.

B. ELIGIBILITY

1. Eligible Applicants The following organizations are eligible to apply:

· Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations

· For-profit organizations For this announcement, only Kazakhstan-based organizations are eligible to apply.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching Cost sharing or matching is not required for this funding opportunity.

3. Other Eligibility Requirements All organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) issued via SAM.gov as well as a valid registration in SAM.gov. Please see Section E.3 for more information.

Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization. If more than one proposal is submitted from an organization, all proposals from that institution will be considered ineligible for funding under this funding opportunity.

4. This opportunity will not support:

· Projects relating to partisan political activity;

· Charitable or development activities; including direct social services such as medical, psychological, and/or humanitarian support;

· Construction projects;

· Projects that support specific religious activities;

· Fund-raising campaigns;

· Lobbying for specific legislation or programs;

· Scientific research or surveys;

· Commercial projects;

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

· Projects that duplicate existing projects; or

· Illegal activities.

C. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

1. Project Background, Goals, and Objectives

TOPIC 1: Support for Local Civic Initiatives Supporting civil society to address grassroots issues through small grants has been a longstanding objective of the U.S. Embassy Small Grants Program (SGP). Recognizing the dynamically evolving civil society space and the opportunities for adding value to grassroots civic activities in Kazakhstan, the U.S. Mission to Kazakhstan is seeking proposals that address labor relations in the Atyrau Region, environmental concerns in East Kazakhstan, and local governance and community engagement in the Almaty Region. Proposals should come from organizations located in these regions.

The program aims to empower local civil society and community leaders and their organizations by equipping them with leadership, management, advocacy, and network building skills to expand the participation of citizens in local decision-making processes, promote sustainable development, and ultimately improve community well-being.

The Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) seeks to empower local organizations to implement solutions that will help them effectively collaborate with local governments to achieve tangible improvements in labor relations, environmental health, and local governance. Success will be measured by the ability of each funded project to help organizations learn new advocacy methods and build wider support networks, as well as create at least one sustainable new mechanism for dialogue between citizens and local government. Past projects to strengthen civil society in rural areas have successfully engaged rural communities to understand local challenges and advocate for their needs, through effective community engagement, raising awareness, and promoting advocacy among target populations. By building on these past successes and incorporating best practices and lessons learned from previous initiatives, PDS aims to ensure that funded projects are both effective and sustainable, ultimately contributing to the overall development and stability of the selected regions.

Organizations may develop their project proposals for one or all three regions.

Project Audience(s):

· Both male/female

· Almaty Region, Atyrau Region, and East Kazakhstan Region

· 25-50 years old

· Oil and gas, mining, and energy sectors, as well as CSO/NGO representatives

Project Goal: To support local initiatives targeted at improving labor rights, addressing local environmental challenges, and establishing constructive dialogue for efficient, transparent, and responsive local governance, which will contribute to the overall well-being and development of Kazakhstan.

Project Objectives (Project proposals may address one or more of these objectives):

· Objective 1. Increase knowledge of workers’ rights and workplace safety standards among at least 200 energy sector workers (including oil and gas industries) in West Kazakhstan within the period of one year.

· Objective 2. Improve collaboration between environmental experts and community-based environmental initiative groups to reduce pollution in the East Kazakhstan Region, resulting in the implementation of at least 2 joint community-based environmental initiatives.

· Objective 3. Increase public participation in decision-making processes by facilitating at least 4 structured dialogues between citizens, civil society organizations, and local government, resulting in at least 3 citizen-proposed issues that are formally addressed by local government representatives.

· Objective 4: Improve the ability of community leaders and civil society organizations to reach 200 citizens through targeted outreach programs and networking events, resulting in 50 new citizens participating in local initiatives that address community challenges.

TOPIC 2: Women’s Empowerment Despite women making up 52% of Kazakhstan’s population, their representation in politics remains limited due to a combination of cultural norms, structural barriers, and slow implementation of gender equality policies. Traditional gender roles often prioritize women’s domestic responsibilities over political careers, while limited access to political networks and resources hinders their advancement. The younger population's gender imbalance, with more men than women under 29, further restricts women's entry into politics early on, although the gender gap evens out as the population ages. Despite ratifying international conventions like Convention on Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, the slow pace of reform and persistent resistance to change within political institutions and structures continue to limit women’s political participation. Additionally, economic inequalities and the lack of gender-sensitive policies contribute to the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles.

The U.S. Mission to Kazakhstan has supported various initiatives aimed at promoting women’s equality and political participation through the Small Grants Program (SGP). Past projects have included funding for grassroots organizations focused on women’s empowerment, legal reforms, and advocacy for gender equality. For example, a previous initiative provided leadership training for women, which helped increase their visibility and participation in local governance. These projects have contributed to a foundation for advancing women’s involvement in Kazakhstan's political processes. However, challenges remain, particularly regarding underrepresentation of women at all levels of decision-making of the community and government affairs. Activities such as capacity-building workshops and civic education campaigns have been effective in raising awareness and improving skills, while efforts to increase women’s leadership in formal political roles have faced limitations due to cultural and institutional barriers.

The goal of this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is to empower women’s public-political activity and leadership by building on past initiatives and fostering collaboration between civil society and government. This initiative will address critical barriers by providing targeted training, mentorship, and support to women aspiring to play active roles in local governance and decision-making. Success will be measured by the number of women trained, their active involvement in local governance and advocacy initiatives, and tangible outcomes such as women running for local level office, influencing policy changes, and leading efforts to advance gender equality at the municipal level. Successful projects will also look for effective ways to engage local leadership structures in order to not only build capacity among women seeking to be politically active but to break down the structural barriers that block their access to such activity. By leveraging best practices and lessons learned, the program seeks to ensure long-term impact and sustainability in advancing gender equality, political representation, and responsive governance in Kazakhstan.

Project Audience(s):

· Both male/female

· 18 – 50 years old

· Early-career professionals interested in activism or politics, students of related majors, and NGO/CSO representatives

Project Goal: Support for women’s empowerment initiatives that advance mechanisms for women’s participation in decision-making, including at the oblast (provincial) and national levels.

Project Objectives (Project proposals may address one or more of these objectives):

· Objective 1: Increase leadership skills of 300 women, including aspiring politicians and community leaders, through targeted workshops and scenario based exercises addressing cultural structures and barriers, resulting in at least 80% of participants demonstrating key leadership skills including but not limited to strategic thinking, decision making, conflict resolution, negotiation, advocacy, delegation, and team building.

· Objective 2: Increase support among 15 local and national lawmakers to draft and implement gender-sensitive laws and policies that address cultural and political barriers to women’s political participation through targeted advocacy campaigns, resulting in the introduction of draft policies that incorporate provisions to support women’s political participation (e.g., quotas for women in elected office, campaign support for female aspiring politicians, etc.)

· Objective 3: Equip a minimum of 300 women demonstrating interest in running for local office, including aspiring politicians and community leaders, with the necessary skills to successfully run for local level office through targeted training and mentorship in campaign management, networking, public speaking, and fundraising, resulting in at least 30% of participants developing a campaign plan or electoral strategy by the end of the training.

D. APPLICATION CONTENTS AND FORMAT

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

· All applicant authorized signatures are provided where indicated on the various, required forms.

The following documents are required:

1. Mandatory application forms

· SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance – organizations) at grants.gov or embassy website.

· SF-424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs) at grants.gov or embassy website.

· SF-424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs) at grants.gov or Embassy website. (note: the SF-424B is only required for individuals, organizations exempt from registration, and for organizations not required to fully register in SAM.gov)

2. Proposal (6 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 project, including project objectives and anticipated impact.

· Introduction to the Organization applying: A description of past and present operations, showing ability to carry out the program, including information on all previous grants from the State Department and/or U.S. government agencies as well as experience with and expertise in areas related to those described in the NOFO. You may use the attached Applicant Organization Information Survey form to provide this information (Attachment 2).

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

· Program Methods, Design, Activities, and Deliverables: 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. Describe the program activities and how they will help achieve the objectives.

· Proposed Project 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?

· Project Partners: List the names and type of involvement of key partner organizations and sub-awardees (if applicable).

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

· Support of Equity and Underserved Communities: A description of how the applicant plans on incorporating principles of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) and engaging underserved communities in their program’s administration, design, and implementation. For more information, please reference section H. Post-Award Requirements and Administration.

· Monitoring & Evaluation Plan: Proposals must include a draft Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP). The M&E PMP should show how applicants intend to measure and demonstrate progress towards the project’s objectives and goals. Applicants should describe how they intend to monitor and evaluate the activities of their award and collect data that tracks award performance. The PMP should also contain If-Then statements to illustrate how project activities will lead to intended outcomes. In addition, the applicant must complete a short table outlining their proposed activities and chosen indicators.

· Attachment 3 of this funding opportunity contains a template that may be used to fulfill this requirement. While the applicant is free to create their own template, completing Attachment 3 will ensure a thorough PMP.

3. Budget Justification Narrative

· Detailed Budget - Applicants must submit a detailed line-item budget. Applicants are encouraged to utilize the template provided with the funding opportunity but are not required to do so (Attachment 4). Line-item expenditures should be listed in the greatest possible detail. The budget must identify the total amount of funding requested, with a breakdown of amounts to be spent in the following budget categories: personnel; fringe benefits; travel; equipment; supplies; consultants/contracts; other direct costs; and indirect costs. See Annex Section I for a description of the types of costs that should be included in each category. Personnel salaries should include the level of effort and the rate of pay, which should cover the percentage of time each staff member will dedicate to grant-based activities. If an organization is charging an indirect cost rate without a NICRA, it must apply it to the modified total budget costs (MTDC), refer to 2CFR§200.1. Budgets shall be submitted in U.S. dollars and final grant agreements will be conducted in U.S. dollars.

· Publishing short informational publications, manuals and public informational materials are allowable. All publishing should be clearly linked to the project activity, should describe the intended audience, provide a clear understanding of the material’s content, how materials will be distributed, and specify who is responsible for the distribution of the materials.

· Salaries (including income tax and social deductions), equipment, and other administrative expenses are allowable only as they relate to specific project activities. Salary or honoraria should be listed according to rate of pay and percentage of time spent on program-related activities. While salary expenses are permissible for local personnel, payment of honoraria and other expenses for foreign experts will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. This Notice of opportunity strongly urges applicants to consider utilizing local and regional experts.

· Expenses associated with direct social services or humanitarian programs are not allowed under this program. Costs that fund the participation of psychologists, psychiatrists, and other potential medical professionals in the program will not be accepted.

· Equipment bought with grant money can only be procured locally. Any request for computer equipment must include the procurement of original, not pirated, software.

· Any equipment which is procured grant funds is loaned to the NGO and remains the property of the U.S. Embassy for a minimum of three years. This is to ensure that equipment will not be used for personal matters and that equipment will be returned to the U.S. Embassy should the NGO cease its activities. At the end of project or three years, the Embassy staff will review the work of the NGO to determine whether 1) the loan will be extended, 2) the equipment will be given permanently to the NGO, or 3) the equipment will be returned to the U.S. Embassy.

· Coffee breaks and working lunches only will be considered on case-by-case basis and should be clearly justified and limited to a maximum of 10% of the total award amount. This includes expenses associated with individual per diems for grant-related activities.

· Lodging costs should be indicated separately from meal costs related to the project activities.

· Small grants program funds should not be used to pay for travel to the United States or for travel grants. Projects involving regional travel will be considered on a case-by-case basis and must have a clear justification outlining why the travel is integral to the project.

· Budget Justification Narrative – Applicants must submit a budget justification narrative to accompany the detailed line-item budget. The purpose of the budget justification narrative is to supplement the information provided in the detailed budget spreadsheet by justifying how the budget cost elements are necessary to implement project objectives and accomplish the project goals. The budget justification narrative is a tool to help Embassy staff fully understand the budgetary needs of the applicant and is an opportunity to provide descriptive information about the requested costs beyond the constraints of the budget template. Together, the detailed budget spreadsheet, the budget justification narrative, and the SF-424A should provide a complete financial and qualitative description that supports the proposed project plan and should be directly relatable to the specific project components described in the applicant’s proposal.

Additional Budget Notes:

· Audit Requirements: Please note the audit requirements for Department of State awards in the Standard Terms and Conditions https://www.state.gov/m/a/ope/index.htm and 2CFR200, Subpart F – Audit Requirements. The cost of the required audits may be charged either as an allowable direct cost to the award OR included in the organization’s established indirect costs in the award’s detailed budget.

4. Attachments

· Key Personnel Resumes: A résumé, not to exceed one page in length, must be included for the proposed key staff persons, such as the Project Director and Finance Officer, as well as any speakers or trainers (if applicable). If an individual for this type of position has not been identified, the applicant may submit a 1-page position description, identifying the qualifications and skills required for that position, in lieu of a résumé.

· Letters of support from program partners: Letters of support should be included for sub-recipients or other partners. The letters must identify the type of relationship to be entered into (formal or informal), the roles and responsibilities of each partner in relation to the proposed project activities, and the expected result of the partnership. The individual letters cannot exceed 1 page in length.

· Indirect Costs: Organizations may request indirect costs of 15% of Modified Total Direct Costs (MTDC) as defined in 2 CFR 200.1. For more information on requesting indirect costs, applicants may reach out to contacts listed under Section E.2. Department of State Contacts.

· Proof of Registration: A copy of the organization’s registration should be provided with the proposal application. U.S.-based organizations should submit a copy of their IRS determination letter. Kazakhstan-based organizations should submit a copy of their certificate of registration from the appropriate government organization.

· Permission Letters: Official permission letters, if required for project activities

Other items NOT required/requested with the application submission, but which may be requested if your application is approved to move forward in the review process include:

a. Copies of an organization or program audit within the last two (2) years

b. Copies of relevant human resources, financial, or procurement policies

c. Copies of other relevant organizational policies or documentation that would help the Department determine your organization’s capacity to manage a federal grant award overseas

d. Documentation that demonstrates the recipients’ plan and/or policy to safeguard PII of participants and beneficiaries. It is the responsibility of the recipient to ensure protection of personally identifiable information (PII) and safeguard PII when collecting, maintaining, using and disseminating such information

e. Information to determine what financial controls and standard operating procedures an organization uses to procure goods and services, hire staff and track time and attendance, pay for grant-related travel, and identify other financial transactions that may be necessary to undertake the project activities

f. The Embassy reserves the right to request any additional programmatic and/or financial information regarding the proposal.

E. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

1. Address to Request Application Package Application forms required above are available at: embassy website, grants.gov, MyGrants.

2. Department of State Contacts If you have any questions about the grant application process, please contact: SGP-Kazakhstan@state.gov.

3. Unique entity identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov)

Required Registration: All organizations, whether based in the United States or in another country, must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration in 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.

An applicant must maintain an active registration while it has a proposal under review by the Department and must continue to keep the registration active for the entire duration of the period of performance of any Federal award that results from this NOFO.

The 2 CFR 200 also requires subrecipients to obtain a UEI. Please note the UEI for subrecipients is not required at the time of application but will be required before an award is processed and/or directed to a subrecipient.

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 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 prior to registering in SAM.gov.

Exemptions An exemption from the UEI and sam.gov registration requirements may be permitted on a case-by-case basis. See 2 CFR 25.110 for a full list of exemptions.

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.

Please note: Any applicant with an exclusion in the System for Award Management (SAM) is not eligible to apply for an assistance award in accordance with the OMB guidelines at 2 CFR 180 that implement Executive Orders 12549 (3 CFR, 1986 Comp., p. 189) and 12689 (3 CFR, 1989 Comp., p. 235), “Debarment and Suspension.”

4. Submission Dates and Times

Submission Deadline: All applications must be received by February 28, 2025 at 11:59 pm, Astana time (GMT +5). For the purposes of determining if an award is submitted on time, PDS will utilize the timestamp provided by Grants.gov. This deadline is firm and is not a rolling deadline. If organizations fail to meet the deadline noted above their application will be considered ineligible and will not be considered for funding.

Submission Method A: Submitting all application materials directly to the following email address: SGP-Kazakhstan@state.gov. Applicants opting to submit applications via email to SGP-Kazakhstan@state.gov must include the Funding Opportunity Title and Funding Opportunity Number in the subject line of the email.

Submission Method B: Submitting all application materials through Grants.gov. For those opting to apply through Grants.gov, thorough instructions on the application process are available at http://www.grants.gov. For questions relating to Grants.gov, please call the Grants.gov Contact Center at 1-800-518-4726 or go to https://www.grants.gov/support.html. Please note that SGP-Kazakhstan@state.gov is unable to assist with technical questions or problems applicants experience with Grants.gov.

5. Funding Restrictions

i. Funding Restrictions for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA): None of the funds awarded resulting from this Notice of Funding Opportunity may be made available for subawards, direct financial support, or otherwise used to provide any payment or transfer to United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).

ii. Pre-Award Costs: Pre-award costs are not an allowable expense for this funding opportunity.

iii. Construction: Any award made as a result of this NOFO will not allow for construction activities or costs.

iv. Direct Social Services: Costs that cover and provide direct social services, such as welfare, charity, health or economic relief, are unallowable. Medical assistance, such as costs to include medical professionals, including but not limited to doctors, nurses, and psychiatrists to participate in the project activities are not allowed.

6. Other Submission Requirements: Copyrights and Proprietary Information If any of the information contained in your application is proprietary, please note in the footer of the appropriate pages that the information is Confidential – Proprietary. Applicants should also note what parts of the application, program, concept, etc. are covered by copyright(s), trademark(s), or any other intellectual property rights and provide copies of the relevant documentation to support these copyrights.

Applicants must acquire all required registrations and rights in the United States and Kazakhstan. All intellectual property considerations and rights must be fully met in the United States and Kazakhstan.

Any sub-recipient organization must also meet all the U.S. and Kazakhstan requirements described above.

F. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

1. Review Criteria Criteria: Each application submitted under this announcement will be evaluated and rated on the basis of the criteria enumerated below. The criteria are designed to assess the quality of the proposed project, and to determine the likelihood of its success.

· Quality and Feasibility of the Program Idea – 20 points: The program idea should be innovative and well developed, with sufficient detail about how project activities will be carried out. The proposals should demonstrate originality and outline clear, achievable objectives. The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline. The project scope is appropriate and clearly defined. Proposals should also demonstrate how the program will support diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) principles and engage underserved communities in their program’s administration, design, and implementation.

· Organizational Capacity and Record on Previous Grants – 20 points:

· The project proposal demonstrates that the organization has sufficient expertise, skills, and human resources to implement the project.

· The organization demonstrates that it has a clear understanding of the underlying issue that the project will address.

· The organization demonstrates capacity for successful planning and responsible fiscal management. This includes a financial management system and a bank account.

· Applicants who have received grant funds previously have been compliant with applicable rules and regulations.

· Where partners are described, the applicant details each partner’s respective role and provides curriculum vitae (CVs) for persons responsible for the project and financial administration. Proposed personnel, institutional resources, and partners are adequate and appropriate

· Project Planning/Ability to Achieve Objectives – 20 points: The project plan is well developed, with sufficient detail about how activities will be carried out. The proposal specifies target audiences, participant recruitment, and geographic areas of implementation. The proposal outlines clear, achievable objectives. The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline. The project scope is appropriate and clearly defined.

· Budget – 15 points: The budget and narrative justification are sufficiently detailed. The budget demonstrates that the organization has devoted time to accurately determine expenses associated with the project instead of providing rough estimates. Costs are reasonable in relation to the proposed activities and anticipated results. The results and proposed outcomes justify the total cost of the project. Budget items are reasonable, allowable, and allocable.

· Monitoring and Evaluation - 15 points: There is a complete and thorough draft submission of a M&E Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP). This will include a list of proposed project activities, corresponding milestone, output, and outcome indicators, a description of data collection methods, and a timeline for collecting such information. The proposal presents a clear theory of change on how the program will address that problem. Use of the suggested template (Attachments 3) will satisfy these requirements. Funded projects will have their plans finalized during the negotiation phase, and monitoring plans may be subject to periodic updates throughout the life of the project.

· Sustainability – 10 points: The project proposal describes clearly the approach that will be used to ensure maximum sustainability or advancement of project goals after the end of project activity.

2. Review and Selection Process

a. Acknowledgement of receipt. Applicants will receive acknowledgment of receipt of their proposal.

b. Review. All submissions are screened for technical eligibility. If a submission is missing any required forms/documents listed above in Section D. Application Contents and Format, it will be considered ineligible and will not be reviewed by the grants review committee. A technical review panel will review eligible proposals based upon the criteria noted in this NOFO.

c. Follow up notification. Applicants will generally be notified within 120 days after the NOFO deadline regarding the results of the review panel.

3. Risk Review

i. Under the merit review as required by 2 CFR 200.206, prior to making a Federal Award the Department will review and consider the following risk factors:

a. Financial stability

b. Management systems and standards

c. History of performance

d. Audit reports and findings

e. Ability to effectively implement project requirements

ii. Responsibility/Qualification Information in SAM.gov

The Federal awarding agency, 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 (see 41 U.S.C. 2313);

An applicant can review and comment on any information in the responsibility/qualification records available in SAM.gov.

Before making decisions in the risk review required by 2 CFR 200.206, the Department will consider any comments by the applicant, along with information available in the responsibility/qualification records in SAM.gov.

iii. High Risk Designation

Awardees that are deemed to be high risk based on the above risk factors will be held to special award conditions. At a minimum, the recipient and/or project designated as High Risk will be required to submit monthly narrative reports and/or quarterly detailed financial reports. Recipients may also be required, upon request of the Grants Officer or Grants Officer Representative, to provide electronic copies of receipts or other supporting documentation (e.g., timesheets, travel documents) for costs incurred. The Grants Officer may withhold 10% of the award amount until final reports have been reviewed and approved by the GO. The recipient may be required to pay all salaries supported by the grant via electronic funds transfer. Other special award conditions may also be included if deemed appropriate by the Grants Officer

G. AWARD NOTICES

The award or cooperative agreement will be written, signed, awarded, and administered by the Grants Officer. The award agreement is the authorizing document, and it will be provided to the recipient for review and counter-signature. The recipient may only start incurring project expenses beginning on the start date shown on the 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: Recipients will be required to request payments by completing form SF-270—Request for Advance or Reimbursement and submitting the form to the Grants Officer and Grants Officer Representative.

H. POST-AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION

1. 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:

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:

· Guidance for Grants and Agreements in Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations (2 CFR), as updated in the Federal Register’s 89 FR 30046 on April 22, 2024, particularly on:

· Selecting recipients most likely to be successful in delivering results based on the program objectives through an impartial process of evaluating Federal award applications (2 CFR part 200.205),

· 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),

· 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

· Terminating agreements pursuant to the U.S. Department of State Standard Terms and Conditions, including, to the greatest extent authorized by law, if an award no longer effectuates the program goals or agency priorities (2 CFR part 200.340).

· 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

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) The Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA) prioritizes inclusive and integrated programs that address barriers to access for individuals and groups based on their religion, gender, disabilities, ethnicity, or sexual orientation and gender identity. In accordance with the Executive Order on Advancing Racial Equity and Underserved Communities, proposals should demonstrate how the program will advance principles of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) related to race, ethnicity, religion, income, geography, gender identity, sexual orientation, and/or disability.

Proposals should demonstrate how addressing racial equity and/or the status of underserved communities will enhance the program’s goals and objectives, as well as the experience of participants.

The support of underserved communities will be part of the review criteria for this opportunity. Therefore, proposals should clearly demonstrate how the program will support and advance equity and engage underserved communities in the program’s administration, design, and implementation phases.

2. Reporting Reporting Requirements: Recipients will be required to submit financial reports and program reports. The award document will specify what reports are required and how often these reports must be submitted. Note: most recipients will be required to submit quarterly program progress and financial reports throughout the project period. The quarterly progress report should include an up-to-date copy of the PMP datasheet. Progress and financial reports are due 30 days after the reporting period. Final certified programmatic and financial reports are due 120 days after the close of the project period.

All reports are to be submitted electronically.

The Awardee must also provide the Embassy on an annual basis an inventory of all the U.S. government provided equipment using the SF428 form.

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.

I. OTHER INFORMATION

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 $10,000 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 $10,000 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 15% of Modified Total Direct Costs (MTDC) as defined in 2 CFR 200.1.

“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 and other entertainment related expenses.

STEP Enrollment U.S. citizens who travel to Kazakhstan are encouraged to enroll in the Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) available at: https://step.state.gov/step/. Enrollment enables citizens to receive security-related messages from the Embassy and makes it easier for us to locate you in an emergency. The Embassy also recommends that all travelers review the State Department's travel website at travel.state.gov for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Kazakhstan Specific Information.