NOFO Somalia Operational Mentorship and Sustainment Capacity Building.pdf

United States Department of State

Bureau of Political-Military Affairs

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO): Somalia Operational Mentorship and

Sustainment Capacity Building

Funding Opportunity Number: DFOP0017536

Assistance Listing Number: 19.979

Solicitation Type: Open Competition

Type of Award: Cooperative Agreement

Application Deadline: 11:59 PM EST on 31 August 2025

Total Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000

Cost Sharing: Not Required

Anticipated Number of Awards: 1

Period of Performance: 12 - 18 Months

Question Submission Deadline: 11:59 PM EST on 15 August 2025

Eligible Applicants: U.S.-based non-profit/non-governmental organizations with or without 501(c) (3) status of the U.S. tax code; foreign-based non-profit organizations/non-government organizations (NGO); public International

Organizations; Foreign Public Organizations, and U.S. for-profit organizations or businesses.

Table of Contents

Section A: Funding Opportunity Description

A.1. Background

A.2. Problem Statement

A.3. Project Goal

A.4. Objectives

A.5. Expected Outcomes

A.6. Performance Indicators

A.7. Key Considerations

A.8. Substantial Involvement (if applicable)

Section B: Federal Award Information

B.1. Available Funding

B.2. Award Management

Section C. Eligibility Information

C.1 Eligible Applicants

C.2. Cost-Sharing or Matching

C.3. Other Eligibility Criteria

Section D: Application and Submission Information

D.1. Address to request Application Package

D.2. Content and Form of Application Submission

D.3. Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and System for Award Management (sam.gov)24

D.3.1 Exemptions

D.4. Submission Dates and Times

D.5. Funding Limitations, Restrictions, and Other Considerations

Section E: Application Review Information

E1. Proposal Review Criteria

E.2. Review and Selection Process

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

Section F: Federal Award Administration Information

F.1. Federal Award Notices

Section G: Federal Awarding Agency Contact

G.1. Contacts

G.2. Question Submission Deadline

Section H: Other information

H.1. Conflict of Interest

H.2. Freedom of Information Act

H.5. Monitoring Site Visits

H.6. Privacy Disclosure

H.8. Background Information on BUREAU

SECTION A: FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A.1. Background

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs of the U.S.

Department of State announces an open competition for an organization (see eligibility information in C.1) interested in submitting an application to implement a project aimed at strengthening the institutional capacity to support the Somali

National Army (SNA)-Danab Advanced Infantry Brigade (SNA-Danab) with force management, force generation, sustainment, and integration.

The SNA-Danab is a clan appropriate, advanced infantry brigade-sized unit supported through a variety of USG security cooperation activities. Originally created in 2014, the SNA-Danab was more formally codified during a multinational conference in London during 2017 (the 2017 London Agreement) as a 3,000

Soldier clan appropriate light infantry force within the broader SNA, drawn from across five federal member states (FMS) and the capital region of Banaadir within the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS).

A.2. Problem Statement

The SNA lacks the institutional capacity to support the SNA-Danab with force management, force generation, sustainment, and employment, relying on the USG for operational mentorship and logistical support. The USG met its commitment to train 3,000 SNA-Danab in February 2025, and the USG and the Federal

Government of Somalia (FGS) began transitioning of sustainment responsibilities to the SNA through a phased approach. Previously, USG-funded stipends for the

Danab were transitioned to the FGS in January 2025. USG-funded fuel for ongoing operations was also transitioned to the FGS in early 2025. USG planning further calls for the transition of remaining fuel support for operations and maintenance

(O&M) to the FGS by June 2026, and the transition of facilities O&M by October

2026. To successfully implement the transition, the FGS must invest in the financial and logistics management and military planning required to sustain the

Danab’s capacity to support operations against al-Shabaab and other violent extremist organizations (VEOs) in a resource-constrained and politically fragile environment.

A.3. Project Goal

The project will continue and advance mentorship of the SNA-Danab on the execution of mission command activities at the brigade level and below.

Operational mentorship activities will include those activities that support stabilization mechanisms to secure Somali territory, accountability measures to promote SNA-Danab self-sustainment and readiness, and operational capacity to improve force management and operational effectiveness. Operational mentorship may further support specialized training on topics that include counter improvised explosive device (CIED) training, heavy equipment operator training, weapons maintenance, military intelligence, air-to-ground integration, military justice, human rights, and combat casualty care.

Additionally, the newly-mandated African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) will continue the African Union-led force’s mission to protect vital strategic locations and critical infrastructure through 2025. This cooperative agreement (CA) will continue to provide operational mentorship to select AUSSOM

Troop Partner Nations (TPNs) mandated to contribute to the security of population centers, vital infrastructure, and major supply routes.

These activities will occur primarily in Mogadishu and the FMS in central and southern Somalia, with other locations as approved by the Grants Officer

Representative (GOR) between 30 September 2025 and 30 September 2026.

A.4. Objectives

Objective 1: Facilitate SNA Forces (SNAF) Force Integration

• Mentor SNA-Danab trainers to co-develop standardized program(s) of instruction (POI) focused on common tactics, techniques and procedures

(TTPs) with select international partners to bolster operational capacity and interoperability among the SNA-Danab, Turkish-trained “Gorgor” units, and wider SNAF units consistent with SNAF doctrine, if applicable. If practical, mentors should facilitate coordination between SNA-Danab trainers and newly formed SNAF Training Command to support the development of standardized program(s) of instruction. For the purpose of this award, “force integration” refers to interoperability of SNAF units, including the

SNA-Danab or other units under the Ministry of Defense, but not the integration of Danab with non-SNAF units, such as Somali Police Forces.

• Mentor SNA-Danab trainers to participate in command post exercise(s)

(CPX) with the “Gorgor,” wider SNAF forces, and local defense forces to facilitate interoperability and identify operational capability gaps.

• Mentor SNA-Danab trainers to conduct force integration training for wider

SNAF previously trained by various international partners to professionalize

SNAF and enable them to conduct joint operations against al-Shabaab and other VEOs operating in Somalia.

Objective 2: Continue to Improve Operational Capability to Counter al-Shabaab and other VEOs:

• Mentor the SNA-Danab Brigade headquarters and subordinate units to 1) conduct joint combat operations, 2) make progress towards achieving Full

Operational Capability (FOC), 3) strengthen capacity for self-sustainment including in areas that support operational planning, recruitment, and resupply, and 4) improve small unit technical and tactical skills and capabilities.

• Mentor select AUSSOM forces (Burundi National Defense Forces (BNDF), the

Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF), the Djiboutian Armed Forces (FAD) and/or others as later determined by the U.S. through the GOR) to professionally execute AUSSOM’s mission mandate, to include mentoring during active combat operations and instilling detailed transition planning and operations that enable the transition of security responsibilities to

Somali security forces, force protection, the protection of key Somali

Government infrastructure, and detailed planning and execution of targeted offensive operations in order to disrupt al-Shabaab and other VEOs. Enable select AUSSOM units to conduct planning and mission command activities that support regular ground resupply operations of select AUSSOM units and bases.

• Mentor SNA-Danab and select AUSSOM units (BNDF, UPDF, and/or FAD) to effectively conduct medical treatment and outreach to military personnel and civilians, to include during active combat operations, increasing 1) the military health services capabilities of SNA-Danab and select AUSSOM TPNs, as directed by the GOR; and 2) the number of positive contacts between the

SNA-Danab and AUSSOM with Somali communities, and assisting in the stabilization of territory recaptured from al-Shabaab.

Objective 3: Build SNA-Danab and Wider SNAF Accountability and Sustainment

Capabilities

• Build SNA-Danab capacity to forward plan for operational needs without

USG-provided assistance by June 2026. Support the SNA-Danab to implement standardized procedures for the procurement, tracking, and usage of fuel.

• Establish procedures where necessary and mentor wider SNAF to independently conduct facility O&M and ensure they are able to perform sustainment job duties on-site to effectively plan, monitor, and budget for

O&M of electricity generation and distribution; water supply, purification and distribution; plumbing; ground services; waste removal and hygiene;

and handyman services without disruption. This shall require mentors to engage SNAF and MOD staff on budget planning to support sustainment.

Mentor wider SNAF to develop and implement standardized procedures for

O&M activities.

• Establish procedures where necessary and mentor wider SNAF mechanics to provide vehicle maintenance services for the SNA-Danab and build organic wider SNAF capability to sustain SNA-Danab vehicles and equipment, including building the capability to effectively plan, monitor, and budget for the maintenance of vehicles and equipment supporting operations. Mentor wider SNAF mechanics to develop and implement standardized procedures for vehicle and equipment activities.

• Mentor select SNA–Danab and TPN’s in operating, maintaining, and equipment logistical planning. Mentor SNA-Danab in inventory best practices, including tracking equipment and predicting operational requirements. This activity should be nested under the SNAF’s systems for accountability to promote interoperability and reduce inefficiency.

A.5. Expected Outcomes

By the end of the period of performance, the project will have demonstrated the following outcomes, subject to modification upon completion and approval of the project methods, design, and M&E plan in the first 30 days post-award.

Outcome 1: SNAF Force Integration

• The SNA-Danab are self-reliant in executing mission command activities and stabilization mechanisms to secure Somali territory.

o Standard POI are implemented to bolster operational capacity and interoperability among the SNA-Danab, “Gorgor,” and wider SNAF units.

o SNA-Danab trainers participate in CPX with the “Gorgor,” wider SNAF units, and local defense forces to facilitate interoperability.

o SNA-Danab trainers conduct force integration training for wider SNAF units previously trained by various international partners to professionalize SNAF and enable them to conduct joint operations.

Outcome 2: Improved Operational Capability

• The SNA-Danab are self-reliant in making progress towards FOC.

o The SNA-Danab plan and conduct joint operations.

o The SNA-Danab demonstrate self-sustainment in operational planning, recruitment, and resupply.

o The SNA-Danab demonstrate improved small unit technical and tactical skills and capabilities.

• Select AUSSOM TPNs are self-reliant in transition planning and operations for the security of population centers and other strategic locations within their area of operations.

o Select AUSSSOM TPNs implement transition plans to transition security responsibilities to Somali security forces.

o Select AUSSOM TPNs plan and conduct targeted offensive operations to disrupt al-Shabaab and other VEOs.

o Select AUSSOM TPNs conduct timely and regular ground resupply of all AUSSOM units and bases.

• The SNA-Danab and select AUSSOM TPNs are self-reliant in medical treatment and outreach to military personnel and civilians.

o The SNA-Danab and select AUSSOM TPNs demonstrate improved capabilities in conducting medical treatment, including during active combat operations.

o The number of positive contacts between the SNA-Danab and

AUSSOM, and Somali communities increases, assisting in the stabilization of territory recaptured from al-Shabaab.

Outcome 3: Increased Accountability and Sustainment

• The SNA-Danab and wider SNAF are self-reliant in fully operationalizing

O&M procedures, including for forward planning, procurement, and inventory tracking in alignment with wider SNAF procedures.

o The SNA-Danab forward plan for operational needs without USG-provided assistance.

o The wider SNAF independently conduct facility and vehicle O&M and implement standardized procedures for O&M activities, including monitoring and budget planning to support sustainment.

• The SNA-Danab and select AUSSOM TPNs are self-reliant in fully operationalizing inventory practices and accountability protocols.

o The SNA-Danab and select AUSSOM TPNs independently conduct inventory best practices, including tracking equipment and predicting operational requirements.

o The SNA-Danab implement accountability measures in alignment with wider SNAF accountability systems.

A.6. Performance Indicators

All projects should have qualitative and quantitative indicators in alignment with

Bureau of Political-Military Affairs guidance, which shall be completed and approved in the M&E Narrative and Plan within 30 days of the award.

A.7. Key Considerations

• Somalia is a highly dangerous and dynamic work environment with weak security sector and budget institutions. Al-Shabaab and other terrorist organizations possess the capability and intent to attack facilities and personnel associated with U.S. implementing partners with mortars, suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices, suicide bombers, and small arms. The implementor shall have no expectation of a USG-assisted evacuation. The implementor shall take significant security precautions and coordinate closely with SNAF, including the SNA-Danab, and AUSSOM TPNs to safeguard its personnel and operations.

• Implementor personnel shall not directly engage in combat or issue directives to SNAF or AUSSOM TPNs conducting combat operations under any circumstances. The purpose of the CA is to enable and support SNAF and AUSSOM TPNs partner operations through the provision of training and mentorship, and not to provide direct combat support to either the SNAF or AUSSOM TPNs. Failing to place sufficient control over personnel to ensure adherence to this restriction shall serve as a justification for the immediate termination of the CA.

• While in Somalia, implementor personnel shall be required to adhere to all security directives issued by the SNAF and AUSSOM, within applicable U.S.

regulations and the confines of the CA.

• In accordance with the DOS General Terms and Conditions for Overseas

Awards, implementor must take full responsibility for the management of the project supported under the award and for the adherence to federal regulations, in addition to award-specific terms and conditions. Although the implementor is encouraged to seek the advice and opinion of the GO and/or the GOR on problems that may arise, such advice does not diminish implementor’s responsibility to make prudent and sound administrative judgements under the circumstances prevailing at the time the decision was made and should not imply that the responsibility for operating decisions has shifted to DOS.

• In accordance with the United Nations Participation Act, the implementor must not replicate functions the United Nations Support Office in Somalia

(UNSOS) is mandated to provide, unless provided explicit authorization to do so by the GOR.

• The implementor must coordinate with DOS to ensure compliance with U.S.

law, in particular 22 USC § 2378(d), the Leahy Law.

• Implementor personnel funded under the CA shall not participate in any activities related to other programs or contracts, even if funded by the USG, unless explicit permission is sought and received from the GO and the GOR in advance.

• The implementer shall expect to conduct bi-weekly, monthly, or ad-hoc meetings on CA activities as established by the GOR with relevant stakeholders, either in person or virtually. Stakeholders may include, but are not limited to, U.S. Embassy personnel, DOS, or other agencies representatives, including Department of Defense personnel, as provided by the GOR.

A.8. Substantial Involvement

The Bureau of Political-Military Affairs anticipates awarding a cooperative agreement. The distinction between grants and cooperative agreements revolves around the existence of “substantial involvement.” Cooperative agreements require greater federal government participation in the project. The Bureau of

Political-Military Affairs will undertake reasonable and programmatically necessary substantial involvement. Substantial involvement areas can include, but are not limited to:

• Active participation or collaboration with the recipient on certain aspects of award implementation.

• Review and approval of one stage of work before another can begin.

• Collaboration on selection and/or review of project beneficiaries.

Specific areas of substantial involvement will be dependent upon the objectives of the proposal and outlined in the final Agreement. The final determination on the award mechanism will be made by the Grants Officer. This cooperative agreement may have but is not limited to the following areas of substantial involvement:

1. Payment requests shall be accompanied by the submission of a detailed cost breakdown to the GOR, organized by budget line-item in the authorized award budget (for both USG funds and cost-share (if applicable)). Costs should also be broken down by the recipient (i.e. SNA-Danab, wider SNAF, or other TPNs.

2. Not later than by close of business in Somalia on Monday each week, the implementor shall submit to the GOR and designated personnel at the U.S.

Embassy Mogadishu a schedule of all upcoming events during the week and anticipated distribution of all implementor personnel funded under the CA by site, to enable the attendance/participation of monitoring personnel.

3. Concurrent with the above-mentioned weekly submission, the implementor shall also submit to DOS a full roster of personnel present in country under the CA organized according to each task.

4. Not later than close of business on Friday in Somalia each week, the implementor shall submit a summary of all activities undertaken during the week to designated personnel at the U.S. Embassy Mogadishu and the GOR.

5. Within 30 days of the award, the implementor, shall submit an M&E Plan.

The M&E Plan shall outline outcomes associated with objectives, establish milestones and provisional timelines, and describe how the program shall achieve stated objectives. The M&E Plan shall identify output and outcome indicators that align with program objectives and milestones and describe how results shall be measured and assessed during implementation.

6. After the M&E Plan is approved, the implementer shall collect and report baseline data for performance indicators so that it is possible to measure change throughout the lifecycle of the award.

7. The implementer shall submit quarterly reports, to include activities conducted, challenges, lessons learned, key achievements, and progress against outputs and outcomes.

8. The DOS staff based in Washington, D.C., shall coordinate and collaborate closely with the implementor on all programmatic, financial, and administrative activities.

9. The GO shall review and provide prior approval for any implementor-proposed changes to current activities which shall have an impact on program approaches and the sustainability of the SNA-Danab or TPNs.

10. The DOS shall review and approve any programs of instruction proposed by the implementer.

11. The GO shall review and provide prior approval for any shifts in allocation of personnel funded under the CA between different tasks.

12. The GO shall review and provide prior approval for the initiation of any direct maintenance support by implementor personnel of host nation or

AUSSOM equipment.

13. The GO shall provide prior approval of any procurement plans.

SECTION B: FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

B.1. Available Funding

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

Applicants can submit one application in response to the NOFO. If more than one application is submitted by an organization, only the first application received, and time stamped by either grants.gov or SAMS/MyGrants will be reviewed for eligibility.

Organizations may form a consortium and submit a combined proposal. However, only one organization must be designated as the lead applicant, with the remaining organizations designated as sub-awardees. The lead applicant must meet the eligibility criteria listed in Section C.

The Department of State reserves the right to (a) fund any or none of the applications received; (b) reserves the right to reduce, revise, or increase the budget in accordance with bureau proprieties and the availability of funds; (c) accept other than the lowest cost application.

The U.S. Government may make award(s) on the basis of initial applications received, without discussions or negotiations. Therefore, each initial application should contain the applicant's best terms from a cost and technical standpoint. The U.S. Government reserves the right (though it is under no obligation to do so), however, to enter into discussions with one or more applicants in order to obtain clarifications, additional detail, or to suggest refinements in the project description, budget, or other aspects of an application.

B.2. Award Management

The successful applicant will need to routinely collaborate with Bureau of Political-

Military Affairs 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 D.5 below for funding restrictions.

SECTION C. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

C.1 Eligible Applicants

Bureau of Political-Military Affairs welcomes applications from U.S.-based non-profit/non-governmental organizations with or without 501(c) (3) status of the U.S.

tax code; foreign-based non-profit organizations/nongovernment organizations

(NGO); Public International Organizations; Foreign Public Organizations; and U.S.

for-profit organizations or businesses.

Applications submitted by for-profit entities may be subject to additional review following the panel selection process. Additionally, the Department of State prohibits profit to for-profit or commercial organizations under its assistance awards. Profit is defined as any amount in excess of allowable direct and indirect costs. The allowability of costs incurred by commercial organizations is determined in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Acquisition

Regulation (FAR) at 48 C.F.R. Part 30, Cost Accounting Standards Administration, and 48 C.F.R. Part 31 Contract Cost Principles and Procedures.

Please see 2 C.F.R. § 200.307 for regulations regarding program income.

C.2. Cost-Sharing or Matching

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.

Providing cost sharing, matching, or cost participation is not an eligibility factor or requirement for this NOFO and providing cost share will not result in a more favorable competitive ranking. Per 2 C.F.R. § 200.306, items that are proposed for cost share must be allowable per 2 C.F.R. § 200, Subpart E—Costs Principles.

Voluntary cost-share: Should the applicant choose to contribute voluntary cost-share, but does not meet the minimum amount of the voluntary cost-sharing stipulated in the applicant’s budget, DOS’ contribution may be reduced in proportion to the applicant’s contribution.

C.3. Other Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must have existing, or the capacity to develop, active partnerships, local in-country partners, entities, and relevant stakeholders and have demonstrated experience in administering successful, and preferably, similar projects.

Any applicant with an exclusion in the Exclusions section of the System for Award

Management (SAM.gov) and/or has a current debt to the U.S. government is not eligible to apply for an assistance award in accordance with the OMB guidelines at

2 C.F.R. § 180 that implement Executive Orders 12549 (3 C.F.R., 1986 Comp., p.

189) and 12689 (3 C.F.R., 1989 Comp., p. 235), “Debarment and Suspension.”

Additionally, no entity or person listed in the Exclusions section of SAM.gov can participate in any activities under an award. All applicants are strongly encouraged to review the Exclusions section in Sam.gov to ensure that no ineligible entity or person is included in their application.

SECTION D: APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

D.1. Address to request Application Package

Applicants can find application forms, kits, or other materials needed to apply on grants.gov and SAMS/MyGrants under the announcement title “Somalia

Operational Mentorship and Sustainment Capacity Building,” funding opportunity number “DFOP0017536.” Please contact the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs point of contact listed in Section G if requesting reasonable accommodations for https://sam.gov/ https://sam.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ https://mygrants.service-now.com/grants/portal_login.do persons with disabilities or for security reasons. Please note that reasonable accommodations do not include deadline extensions.

D.2. Content and Form of Application Submission

To ensure that all applications receive a balanced evaluation, the review panel will review from the first page of each section up to the page limit and no further. For all application documents, please ensure:

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

• All pages are numbered, including budgets and attachments;

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

• All documents are single-spaced, 14-point Calibri font, with a minimum of 1-inch margins. Captions and footnotes may be 10-point Calibri font. Font sizes in charts and tables, including the budget, can be reformatted to fit within 1 page width.

Complete applications must include the following, where applicable:

1) Completed and signed SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B forms. (OPTIONAL but strongly encouraged for FPEs/PIOs)

2) Organizations that engage in lobbying the U.S. government, including

Congress, or pay for another entity to lobby on their behalf, are also required to complete the SF-LLL “Disclosure of Lobbying Activities” form

(only if applicable).

3) Cover Page/Executive Summary (not to exceed one (1) page, preferably as a

Word document) that includes a table with the organization name, project title, target country/countries, name and contact information for the application’s main point of contact, and brief section that clearly outlines the (1) the problem statement addressed by the project (2) research-based evidence justifying the applicant’s approach, and (3) quantifiable project outcomes.

4) Proposal Narrative (not to exceed seven (7) pages, preferably as a Word document). Please note the seven-page limit does not include the Cover

Page/Executive Summary, Detailed Budget, Budget Narrative, Key

Personnel, Timeline or Attachments. Applicants are encouraged to combine multiple documents into a single Word document or PDF (i.e. Cover

Page/Executive Summary, and Proposal Narrative into one file). The

Narrative must include the following:

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

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

• Project Methods and Design: A description of how the program is expected to address the problem set and achieve the goal.

Programmatic approaches should be appropriate for the context and challenges and should clearly link activities to intended results and then to the achievement of objectives. Include a theory of change or logic model as appropriate.

• Program Goal: The goal describes the broader, long-range outcome or concept intended. Goals do not include timelines or methods for achievement. Rather, goals are general statements of a desired result. Programs generally have one goal that is only one sentence.

• Program Objective(s): Objectives unlike goals, are brief, clear statements that describe what will be done within a specific timeframe to help achieve or advance a goal. Objectives are applicant focused, and should be SMART:

▪ Specific: Detailed and specifies what will be achieved

▪ Measurable: have associated metrics or measurements of success

▪ Attainable: appropriately challenging, objectives can be reasonably attained given the available resources

▪ Relevant: align with the policy/program goal and appropriate within the country or beneficiary audience

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

• Outcomes: The results or effects of the objective(s). What are the detailed, measurable statements that outline the end results?

Outcomes are target-audience focused. What will the benefiting individuals, countries or audiences have learned, accomplished or be able to do after the project has been completed? Collectively, outcomes advance or further the program goal.

• Program Activities: Describe how the activities or actions under objective(s) will be carried out. Program activities should be clearly developed and sufficiently explain the resources and time requirements identified (inputs) and things done or produced

(outputs). Where appropriate, identify target areas, or where actions are happening, participant groups or selection criteria for participants;

how relevant stakeholders will be engaged; actions taken by consultants, sub-recipients or vendors as appropriate/relevant.

Demonstrate how the activity will support and advance equity and engage underserved communities in program administration, design, and implementation. A description of how the program is expected to address the problem set and achieve the goal. Programmatic approaches should be appropriate for the context and challenges and clearly link activities to intended results and then to the achievement of objectives. Include a theory of change or logic model as appropriate.

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

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

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

5) Budget Documents: This is a two (2) component submission requirement.

• (1) Detailed Line-Item Budget: Entities and organizations not recognized as FPEs or PIOs are required to submit detailed budget information according to the OMB cost categories (see SF-424A as an example). Budget expenses should be submitted preferably as one

Excel workbook and include three (3) columns describing the request to Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, any required or voluntary cost sharing, and the total budget. Costs must be in whole U.S. dollars.

The attached “Budget Guidance Template for Multi-Year Awards

(FY24)” is the preferred format for submission. Detailed line-item budgets for sub-grantees should be included as additional tabs within the Excel workbook (if available at the time of submission). Note:

Applicants are welcome to delete columns associated with multiple years if submitting a proposal that will only extend to one year.

Alternatively, applicants are welcome to add columns for additional years.

• (2) Budget Narrative: Entities and organizations not recognized as

FPEs or PIOs are required to submit narrative information, preferably as a Word document, that explain the methodology considerations for each specific line identified in the Excel document. The budget narrative should support the activities described in the proposal and provide additional information that might not be readily apparent in the detailed line-item budget. Do not simply repeat what is represented numerically in the budget, i.e. salaries are for salaries or travel is for travel. If the detailed budget includes sub-awards, please include a separate budget narrative for each sub-award budget.

Provide details on the purpose of costs, reasonability of costs, cost price analysis, allocation methodology, explain any yearly variances in unit prices, and tie expenses to program activities and/or objectives where appropriate. Information should describe prices used when costs have been averaged for the purposes of the calculation; when or if there is a reduction in a typical cost due to leveraging other resources; when costs are inflated due to specific considerations; or when untypical costs are included due to special circumstances.

Provide information on considerations such as translations, multi-media approaches as also described in the proposal narrative, procurement by local vendors or the need to import due to unavailability, specific needs of different audiences, costs related to country limitations, etc.

• Budget Documents for Foreign Public Entities/Public International

Organizations: Entities and organizations recognized as FPEs or PIOs are not required to submit detailed budget information according to the OMB cost categories. (1) A detailed budget, preferably as an excel document broken down by activity may be provided with information identifying lines associated with labor (inclusive of contractual or consultancy staff), participant support costs, travel, and other activity related expenses as appropriate for each activity identified. While 2

C.F.R. 200, Subpart E—Costs Principles does not apply to FPEs and

PIOs, it should be used as a guide to assist in determining reasonableness. Costs must be in U.S. dollars. (2) A budget narrative, preferably as a Word document, should explain the methodology considerations for each activity and other cost considerations or special circumstances that are helpful in determining reasonableness.

6) Program Monitoring and Evaluation Narrative and Plan/Tracker: This is a two (2) component submission requirement. The M&E Narrative and

Plan/Tracker serve to track timely and effective implementation of project activities; identify any gaps to address or course correction needed; assess the extent to which project objectives are being met; and highlight successes, challenges, and unintended consequences.

o (1) Monitoring and Evaluation Narrative: Preferably a one-page Word document, the narrative outlines how a project’s M&E system will be carried out and by whom. It details how you will track your project’s performance toward its objectives over the lifecycle of the award and provides a clear description of the approach and data collection strategies and tools to be employed (e.g., pre- and post-test surveys, interviews, focus groups). The description should include how the applicant will track and document whether activities occurred

(outputs) and the results or changes caused by these activities

(outcomes), for example, through monitoring indicators and timely assessments or evaluations. If the project includes work with local partners or sub-partners, explain how M&E efforts will be coordinated amongst these organizations.

o (2) Monitoring and Evaluation Plan/Tracker: Preferably an Excel workbook, the M&E Plan/Tracker is generally structured as a table, outlining the objectives, expected outcomes, and activities from the proposal, and linking these to output- and outcome-based indicators.

It lists data sources for each indicator, and outlines baselines (where https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#subpart-E https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#subpart-E your project is starting), quarterly targets, and final targets (what you would like to achieve) for each indicator. Please see “Sample

Monitoring Indicator Tracker” included as an attachment to the

NOFO.

Note: If recommended for funding, the panel and/or bureau may negotiate the inclusion of additional Department of State Foreign

Assistance indicators. These indicators assist the bureau in tying projects to larger bureau program objectives for Department’s

Managing for Results framework. More information on this policy framework and access to the foreign assistance master indicator list is on the Foreign Assistance Resource Library. After award issuance, the

M&E Plan will accompany performance reports to document progress on indicators.

7) Key Personnel (not to exceed two (2) pages, preferably as a Word document): Represents staff within your organization or outside of your organization (subgrantee, consultants, contractors), carrying out administrative and/or technical responsibilities, who are integral to the success of the program. Includes short bios that highlight relevant professional experience. Provides names, titles, roles and experience/qualifications of key personnel involved in the program. Given the limited space, inserting CVs are not recommended but may be submitted as an attachment. Generally limited to 3-5 individuals.

8) Timeline (not to exceed one (1) page, preferably as a Word document or

Excel sheet): The timeline of the overall proposal should include activities, evaluation efforts, and program closeout. Sufficient time should be included to conduct and finalize internal/external evaluations and allow any sub-recipients time for final reporting, as applicable.

9) Security Plan (not to exceed three (3) pages): Addresses any issues involving in-person events and recruitment for said events, and safety for any online programs or communications including independent IT security audits (to include a vulnerability assessment) of any proposed web application or https://www.state.gov/foreign-assistance-resource-library/ platform. Organization’s Security Plan should demonstrate consideration of the risks identified in the submitted risk assessment. Costs may also be identified within the budget and budget narrative. Applicants may be required to submit a risk mitigation plan which the GO must approve before in-country activities commence. Applicants are also encouraged to include contingency plans for in-person or online activities.

10) Contingency Plan (not to exceed three (3) pages): Outlines activities in the event that the originally planned activities are unimplementable. The

Contingency Plan should be submitted as an additional annex. Applicants should demonstrate consideration of the risks identified in the submitted risk assessment and include specific alternative activities or locations as part of the Contingency Plan. Any proposed “plan” must comply with 2 C.F.R.

200.433 – Contingency provisions. Plans must not include unallocable or unallowable expenses and must not result in a larger Total Award Value than the identified “competition ceiling.” The Bureau of Political-Military

Affairs requires prior approval by the Grants Officer of the “plan” before any activities can take place, or costs can be incurred against the “plan.”

11) Other Attachments (if applicable)

• Letters of support from program partners describing the roles and responsibilities of each partner

• Official permission letters, if required for project activities

• CVs or resumes

• Summary of programmatic experience in Somalia

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

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. The federal government's primary database for complying with FFATA reporting requirements is www.sam.gov. OMB designated www.sam.gov as the central repository to facilitate applicant and recipient use of a single public website that consolidates data on all federal financial http://www.sam.gov/ assistance. Under the law, it is mandatory to obtain a UEI number and register in sam.gov before submitting an application. The Bureau of Political-Military Affairs may not review applications from or make awards to applicants that have not completed all applicable UEI and SAM.gov requirements.

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

Note: The process of obtaining a SAM.gov registration may take anywhere from

4-8 weeks. 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.

• 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). Also, a Commercial and Government Entity

(CAGE) code and UEI number is required and issued through SAM.gov. Once received continue with the remainder of the SAM.gov registration.

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

2022 and February 2023 respectively, newly registering organizations based outside of the United States that do not intend to apply for U.S.

Department of Defense (DoD) awards are no longer required to have a

NATO CAGE (NCAGE).

All organizations applying for grants (except individuals) must obtain these registrations. All are free of charge:

• NCAGE/CAGE code (if applicable)

• www.SAM.gov UEI and registration

If you are an organization based outside the U.S. and DO NOT plan to do business with the Department of Defense:

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

If you are an organization based outside the U.S. and plan to do business with the

Department of Defense:

Step 1: Apply for an NCAGE number

NCAGE Homepage:

https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/sc/CageList.aspx

NCAGE Code Request Tool (NCRT):

https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/Codification/CageTool/home

For NCAGE help from within the U.S., call 1-888-227-2423

For NCAGE help from outside the U.S., call 1-269-961-7766

Email NCAGE@dlis.dla.mil for any problems in getting an NCAGE code.

Step 2: After receiving the NCAGE/CAGE Code, proceed to SAM.gov to obtain a UEI an complete registration.

All prime organizations must also continue to maintain active SAM.gov registration with current information at all times during which they have an active federal award or application under consideration by a federal award agency. SAM.gov requires all entities to renew their registration once a year in order to maintain an active registration status in SAM.gov. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure it has an active registration in SAM.gov and to maintain that active registration. If an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements at the time of application, the applicant may be deemed technically ineligible to receive https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/scage/CageList.aspx https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/Codification/CageTool/home an award and use that determination will be used as a basis for making an award to another applicant.

Information is included on the SAM.gov website to help international registrations: Please note, guidance on SAM.gov and the guidance on GSA’s website about requirement for registering in SAM.gov is subject to change and currently being updated. Applicants should review the website frequently for the most up-to-date guidance.

The attached “UEI and SAM.gov FAQ updated 013124” is a resource provided by the grants policy office. Any content shown from SAM.gov is not owned by the

Department of State. This guidance and instruction are to the best of our knowledge at the time of posting this solicitation. Where guidance in this attachment differs from the SAM.gov website, SAM.gov prevails and the applicant is encouraged to seek and document clarity provided by the SAM.gov helpdesk.

D.3.1 Exemptions

An exemption from the requirements listed above may be permitted under the following circumstances:

• For any applicant or recipient: if the federal awarding agency determines that it must protect information about the entity from disclosure if it is in the national security or foreign policy interests of the United States, or to avoid jeopardizing the personal safety of the applicant or recipient's staff or clients.

• For a foreign organization or foreign public entity applying for or receiving a federal award or subaward for a project or program performed outside the

United States valued at less than $25,000: if the federal awarding agency deems it to be impractical for the entity to comply with the requirement(s).

This exemption must be determined by the federal awarding agency on a case-by-case basis while utilizing a risk-based approach and does not apply if subawards are anticipated.

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

Organizations requesting exemption from UEI or sam.gov requirements must email the point of contact listed in the NOFO at least two weeks prior to the deadline in the NOFO and provide 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.

D.4. Submission Dates and Times

Applications are due no later than 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST), on 31, AUGUST, 2025 on grants.gov or SAMS/MyGrants under the announcement title

“Somalia Operational Mentorship and Sustainment Capacity Building,” funding opportunity number “DFOP0017536.”

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

It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that it has an active registration in grants.gov or SAMS/MyGrants and that an application has been received by the system in its entirety. Application submissions are automatically logged by date and time when made in Grants.gov and SAMS/MyGrants, and the Department of

State will use this information to determine whether an application has been submitted on time. Late applications are neither reviewed nor considered.

Applicants should not expect a notification upon the Bureau of Political-Military

Affairs receiving their application.

The Bureau of Political-Military Affairs bears no responsibility for disqualification that results from applicants not being registered before the due date, for registration errors in either system, or other errors in the application process.

http://www.sam.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/ https://mygrants.service-now.com/grants/portal_login.do https://www.grants.gov/ https://mygrants.servicenowservices.com/ https://www.grants.gov/ https://mygrants.servicenowservices.com/

D.5. Funding Limitations, Restrictions, and Other Considerations

The Bureau of Political-Military Affairs will not consider applications that reflect any type of support for any member, affiliate, or representative of a designated terrorist organization. Please refer to the link for Foreign Terrorist Organizations:

https://www.state.gov/foreign-terrorist-organizations/. Consistent with

Department guidance on State Funding and the Risks of Terrorist Financing for all

State Department funded programs and requirements, Department bureaus must assess the likelihood that the funds or Department funded activities, goods, services, training, expert advice or assistance, or other benefits to be provided, could inadvertently or incidentally benefit terrorist organizations or their members or supporters, and…