NOFO University Parnership-FY24-ARM-7.docx

University Partnership-FY24-ARM-7 Narrative

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

U.S. EMBASSY, Yerevan Notice of Funding Opportunity

Funding Opportunity Title: Certificate or Training Program in Mediation and Conflict Resolution Funding Opportunity Number: UniversityPartnership-FY24-ARM-7 Type of Award: Cooperative Agreement Deadline for Applications: March 13, 2024; 11:59 PM local (Armenia) Assistance Listing Number: 19.900 Total Amount Available: $200,000

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The U.S. Embassy Yerevan Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a program to initiate a new U.S.-Armenia university or U.S-Armenia institutional partnership to create a certificate or training program in mediation and conflict resolution in Armenia. Please follow all instructions below.

Program Objectives:

This new initiative will create a new U.S.-Armenia university or institutional partnership to fund a certificate or training program in mediation and conflict resolution in Armenia, drawing upon U.S. expertise and best practices. The initiative will invigorate Armenia’s higher education sector’s capacity for conflict resolution training by strengthening U.S.-Armenia higher education/institutional ties, drawing upon U.S. expertise in mediation and conflict resolution training, and create a new pipeline of peace builders capable of supporting regional cooperation and normalization of relations in the region. The initiative will be designed as an academic certificate or training program taking place in Armenia, composed of several courses and development t of follow-on projects, based on U.S. mediation and conflict resolution models and expertise. This initiative is planned as a two-year commitment, with an option to continue pending further need. This initiative will support the program design, two iterations of the program, and small grants funding for peace building projects developed by program participants.

Objective 1: Strengthen the Armenian higher education sector’s capacity to train the next generation of peace builders through establishment of a U.S.-Armenian university or institutional partnership that brings U.S. best practices in mediation and conflict resolution training to Armenia.

Objective 2: Create a mediation and conflict resolution certificate or training program in Armenia, to provide training for students and early to mid-career professionals, to create a pipeline of peacebuilders capable of leading regional conflict resolution and reconciliation initiatives.

Objective 3: Provides small grant funding and mentorship support to graduates of the certificate program, including incubation of follow-on peacebuilding initiatives, that support regional peace and normalization of relations in the region.

Participants and Audiences:

The primary audience for the certificate or training program is Armenian undergraduate and graduate students with an interest in future careers in international relations, political science, peace and conflict resolution, journalism, and other fields related to peace building. A secondary audience for the certificate or training program will be early to mid-career professionals who are interested to enhance their professional skills in mediation and conflict resolution, as it relates to the current careers. These participants could be drawn from those working in the fields of international relations, think tanks, civil society/NGOs, journalism, and government.

• Primary beneficiaries: 25 Armenian participants per year.

• Secondary beneficiaries: Approximately 150 Armenian youth, civil society representatives who will be the project beneficiaries of the small grants’ initiatives.

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Length of performance period: 24 months Number of awards anticipated: 1 award.

Award amount: $200,000 Type of Funding: FY22FY23/23 24 AEECA Funds under the Foreign Assistance Act Anticipated program start date: October 1, 2024

This notice is subject to availability of funding.

Funding Instrument Type:

Organizations can submit one application in response to the NOFO. If more than one application is submitted by an organization, only the first application received will be reviewed for eligibility and funding.

The U.S. Government may: (a) reject any or all applications, (b) accept more than one application, and (c) waive irregularities in applications received.

The U.S. Government may make award(s) based on 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 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.

U.S. Embassy Yerevan anticipates awarding a cooperative agreement. Cooperative agreements involve “substantial involvement” or greater U.S. Government participation in the project. U.S. Embassy Yerevan will undertake reasonable and programmatically necessary substantial involvement. Examples of substantial involvement can include, but are not limited to:

• Active collaboration with the recipient in the implementation of the award;

• Joint preparation or presentation of results with the recipient;

• Involvement in the selection of program participants and scholarship recipients;

• Approval of the curriculum and the structure of the certificate program;

• Approval of the faculty for the certificate/training program;

• Approval of the small grant program initiatives.

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

Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 24 months or less.

The Department of State will entertain applications for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the initial budget period on a non-competitive basis subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the program, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the U.S. Department of State.

C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION

1. Eligible Applicants

U.S. Embassy Yerevan welcomes applications from public or private institutions of higher education from Armenia and the United States, as well as non-profit institutions/organizations with a mandate for promoting conflict resolution and prevention, and who have a demonstrated track record in mediation and conflict resolution training.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

Providing cost sharing, matching, or cost participation is not an eligibility factor or requirement for this NOFO.

3. Other Eligibility Requirements

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

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

D. 1. 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 U.S. Department of State, as indicated in 2 CFR 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 attachments with the exception of Excel documents;

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

· All documents are single-spaced, 14-point Calibri font, with 1-inch margins. Captions and footnotes may be 12-point Calibri font. Font sizes in charts and tables, can be reformatted to fit within 1 page width.

D. 2.1. Application Requirements

Complete applications must include the following:

1. Completed and signed SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B forms.

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 two (2) pages). Include the organization name, project title, target country/countries, and 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 and impacts.

4. Table of Contents

5. Proposal Narrative* (not to exceed ten (10) pages). *Please note the ten-page limit does not include the following:

· SF-424

· SF-424A

· SF-424B

· SF-LLL (if applicable)

· Cover Page/Executive Summary

· Table of Contents

· Scope of Work (required template provided as an attachment)

· Performance Monitoring & Evaluation Narrative and Plan (sample template provided as an attachment)

· Timeline

· Detailed Budget (sample template provided as an attachment)

· Budget Narrative (sample template provided as an attachment)

· If the Budget includes subawards, please include a separate Budget Narrative for each organization.

· NICRA Letter

· Single Audit or recent independent financial audit

· Key Personnel Summary

· CV or Resume of Key Personnel

· Security Plan

· Contingency Plan

· COVID Contingency Plan

· Additional Attachments (if applicable):

· Letters of support from program partners

· Official permission letters, if required for project activities

· Letter of Disclosure for proposed consultants/personnel

· Letter(s) of Institutional Support

The Proposal 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 all relevant or similar type projects from previous grants from the U.S. Embassy and/or U.S. Government agencies.

Using the Scope of Work (see Section D.2.1.6) provided as an attachment to this NOFO by Embassy Yerevan, the Proposal Narrative should address the applicant’s unique approach to the following:

· Program Methods and Design: A description of how the program is expected to work to solve the stated problem and achieve the goal.

· Program Goal: The “goal(s)” describe the larger outcome intended

· Program Objectives: The intermediate accomplishments and measurable targets to achieve a goal. Objectives of the program should be SMART:

· Specific: Detailes and specifies what will be achieved

· Measurable: have associated metrics or measurements of success

· Attainable: appropriately challenging, objectives can be reasonably attained give 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

· Program Activities: Describe specific actions taken under each Objective. All activities should be clearly developed and sufficiently explain the resource and time requirements (inputs) and things done or produced (outputs). Activities should detail: target areas, participant groups or selection criteria for participants; how relevant stakeholders will be engaged; and actions taken by local partners as appropriate/relevant.

· Program Management Plan: Describe the proposed management structure for this project. Include a description of the responsibilities of all principal organizations and staff involved, reporting relationships, authority, and lines of communication within and between each of these organizations.

· Program 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. Include ways program activities will ensure sustainability.

· 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. *Please see Security Plan Contingency Plan.

6. Scope of Work (SOW) (Applicants should use the SOW template provided by Embassy Yerevan and attached to this NOFO.) SOW should provide a summary of the applicant’s unique approach to the following as indicated in Section 5 on Proposal Narrative:

· Program Goal

· Program Objectives

· Program Activities

· Program Indicators

Required Scope of Work (SOW) template is provided as an attachment to this NOFO.

7. Performance Monitoring & Evaluation Narrative and Plan (see provided sample template):

a. Program Monitoring & Evaluation Narrative details how a project’s performance monitoring and evaluation system will be carried out and by whom. It explains how the project’s performance toward its objectives will be tracked over time. It should provide 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 also include how the applicant will track and document whether activities occurred (outputs) and the results or changes caused by these activities (outcomes). If the project includes work with local partners or sub-partners, explain how performance monitoring and evaluation efforts will be coordinated amongst these organizations. Explain if an external evaluation will be included. Evaluations, internal or external, should be systematic studies that use research methods to address specific questions about project performance. They should provide a valuable supplement to ongoing monitoring activities. Evaluation activities generally include baseline assessments, mid-term and final evaluations.

b. Performance Monitoring & Evaluation Plan should draw on the objectives, activities and expected changes from the Scope of Work, and link those areas to indicators. The Program Monitoring & Evaluation Plan is generally structured as a table with output-based and outcome-based indicators. It explains how data will be collected (data collection methods) to show that certain changes occurred. It outlines baselines (where your project is starting) and quarterly targets (what you would like to achieve) for each indicator.

The project should monitor and report on performance indicators that are specific, measurable, achievable, reasonable, and time-bound. Establish, where possible, performance baseline data and expected performance targets for each expected result and include details on what sources of data will be used to document performance, how the indicators will be measured, frequency of measurement, and units of measure. Where possible, indicators should also allow for sex disaggregation. Indicators should reflect key project outputs or outcomes that reflect the primary goals or objectives of the project and that the implementer can collect with high quality data.

A sample Performance Monitoring & Evaluation Narrative and Plan Template is provided as an attachment to this NOFO.

c. Performance Indicators: All project proposals should aim to have impact that leads to the attainment of project objectives and goals outlined in the preceding sections of this NOFO.

The Recipient must develop qualitative and quantitative indicators, including appropriate Standard Foreign Assistance Indicators (F indicators), to measure the achievement of the program objectives and expected results. Relevant mandatory F indicators include:

· Number of new groups or initiatives created through USG funding, dedicated to resolving the conflict or the drivers of the conflict

· Number of USG supported events, trainings, or activities implemented to build support for peace or reconciliation among key actors to the conflict

· Number of people who participated in USG-supported events, trainings, or activities designed to build mass support for peace and reconciliation

Potential illustrative custom indicators include:

· Percent increase in number of new groups or initiatives created through USG funding, dedicated to resolving the conflict or the drivers of the conflict.

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 and monitoring and evaluation efforts outlined in a monthly format.

9. Detailed Budget (must be an Excel workbook) that includes three (3) columns containing the request to U.S. Embassy Yerevan for U.S. share of cost, any cost sharing contribution, and the total budget. A Summary Budget should also be included using the OMB-approved budget categories (see SF-424A as a sample) in a separate tab. Costs must be in U.S. Dollars. Detailed line-item budgets for sub-grantees should be included as additional tabs within the Excel workbook (if available at the time of submission).

For more information, Budget Guidance and Template for New Awards is provided as an attachment to this NOFO.

Use of the Detailed Budget template (Budget Guidance and Template for New Awards) is not required, however, the submitted budget must follow OMB budget categories. If an applicant’s budget does not follow OMB budget categories, the application will be deemed technically ineligible and will not be considered for funding.

10. Budget Narrative (preferably as a Word Document; (no maximum page limit). Justify each line-item in the budget and explain how the amounts were derived, consistent with the applicant’s documented policies, as well as the source and description of all proposed costs (and cost-share, if applicable). The Budget Narrative should complement the budget rather than repeat information provided in the budget. For example, the narrative should provide details on the purpose of costs, reasonability of costs, cost price analysis, explain allocations, explain any yearly variances, and tie expenses to program activities and/or objectives where appropriate. Sources of all cost-share offered in the application should be identified and explained in the budget narrative.

Personnel costs must include a clarification of the roles and responsibilities of all staff, base salary, and percentage of time devoted to the project (also known as level of effort). The Budget Narrative should support the activities described in the proposal and provide additional information that might not be readily apparent in the Detailed Budget, 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 subawards, please include a separate Budget Narrative for each organization. Please note that subaward organizations must have a SAM.gov unique entity identifier (UEI) number (certain exceptions apply).

For ease of review, it is highly recommended that applicants order the Budget Narrative in the same order as the Detailed Budget.

See Tab 1 of Budget Guidance and Template for New Awards provided as an attachment, for more information.

A sample Budget Narrative Template is provided as an attachment to this NOFO.

11. NICRA Letter: If your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, your latest NICRA letter should be included as a PDF file. This document will not be reviewed by the Merit Review Panel but will be used by project and grant team if the submission is recommended for funding. Organizations that have previously established indirect cost rates must submit timely indirect cost proposals to their cognizant agency as required by Appendix III & IV of 2 CFR 200. If indirect cost proposals have not been submitted for re-negotiation, as required, out-of-date NICRAs may not be considered. If your proposal involves subawards to organizations charging indirect costs, please submit their NICRA, if applicable.

12. Single Audit: a PDF file copy of your organization’s most recent single audit is required, if your organization meets the threshold as defined in 2 CFR 200 Subpart F. If your organization has not had a recent single audit (within your organization’s previous 3 fiscal years), you must submit your organization’s most recent independent financial audit.

13. Key Personnel Summary: (not to exceed two (2) pages, preferably as a Word Document). Include short bios that highlight relevant professional experience. Provides names, titles, roles, and experience/qualifications of key personnel involved in the program. Note the location where key staff will be based and percentage of their time (level of effort) that will be used in support of this program.

14. CV or Resume of Key Personnel: (no maximum page limit per CV or Resume). Include name, work history and experience or qualifications of key personnel who are proposed for the program.

15. Security Plan (not to exceed three (3) pages). Address 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 platform. Organization’s Security Plan should demonstrate consideration of the risks identified in the Proposal Narrative risk analysis. Costs may also be identified within the Detailed Budget and Budget Narrative. Applicants are also encouraged to include contingency plans for in-person or online activities.

16. Contingency Plan (not to exceed three (3) pages). The Contingency Plan, for proposed activities should the originally planned activities not be able to be implemented, should be submitted as an additional annex. Applicants should demonstrate consideration of the risks identified in the Proposal Narrative risk analysis and include specific alternative activities or locations as part of the Contingency Plan. Any proposed “plan” must comply with 2CFR200.433 – Contingency provisions. Plans must not include unallocable or unallowable expenses and must not exceed the notified Total Funding. U.S. Embassy Yerevan requires prior approval by the Grants Officer of the “contingency reserve” before any activities can take place, or costs can be incurred against the “contingency reserve.”

17. COVID Contingency Plan (attached as a separate document with no page limit).

Recognizing that COVID-19 can limit and affect project activities, applicants must include a Contingency Plan that addresses contingency measures should the local COVID situation change. Below are some suggested considerations.

· How will the project transition from virtual to in-person activities or from in-person to virtual activities?

· How will COVID contingency costs be built into the budget?

· How and when will the Grants Officer be notified of contingency costs?

· What COVID precautions will be required for in-person activities?

· What type and amount of COVID monitoring will be included in the proposal?

18. Additional Attachments:

· Letters of support from program partners describing the roles and responsibilities of each partner, if applicable/pre-identified

· Official permission letters, if required for project activities

Applications that do not include the elements listed above will be deemed technically ineligible. To ensure that all applications receive a balanced evaluation, the Merit Review Panel will review from the first page of each section up to the page limit and no further.

D.2.2 Additional Information Requested of Successful Applicants Receiving Notification of Intent

Successful applicants must submit, after notification of intent to make a Federal award, but prior to issuance of a Federal award:

· Written responses and revised application documents addressing conditions and recommendations from the Merit Review Panel;

· A copy of the applicant’s latest NICRA as a PDF file, if the applicant has a NICRA and includes NICRA charges in the budget;

· A completed copy of the U.S. Department of State’s Financial Management Survey, if receiving U.S. Government funding for the first time;

· Submission of required banking information to U.S. Embassy Yerevan at request of Grants Officer Representative or Financial Management Officer for new vendor creation in U.S. Department of State financial management systems;

· Other requested information or documents included in the notification of intent to make a Federal award or subsequent communications prior to issuance of a Federal award.

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

Required Registrations:

All organizations, whether based in the United States or in another country, must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration with the SAM.gov. A UEI is one of the data elements mandated by Public Law 109-282, the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA), for all Federal awards.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NCAGE Homepage:

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

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

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

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

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

D.4 Submission Dates and Times

Applications are due no later than March 13, 2024; 11:59 PM local (Armenia)

D.5 Funding Restrictions

U.S. Embassy Yerevan will not consider applications that reflect any type of support for any member, affiliate, or representative of a designated terrorist organization. Please refer the link for Foreign Terrorist Organizations: https://www.state.gov/foreign-terrorist-organizations/ Project activities whose direct beneficiaries are foreign militaries or paramilitary groups or individuals will not be considered for U.S. Embassy Yerevan funding given purpose limitations on funding.

The Leahy Law prohibits Department foreign assistance funds from supporting foreign security force units if the Secretary of State has credible information that the unit has committed a gross violation of human rights. Per 22 USC §2378d(a) (2017), “No assistance shall be furnished under this chapter [FOREIGN ASSISTANCE] or the Arms Export Control Act [22 USC 2751 et seq.] to any unit of the security forces of a foreign country if the Secretary of State has credible information that such unit has committed a gross violation of human rights.” Restrictions may apply to any proposed assistance to police or other law enforcement. Among these, pursuant to section 620M of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended (FAA), no assistance provided through this funding opportunity may be furnished to any unit of the security forces of a foreign country when there is credible information that such unit has committed a gross violation of human rights. In accordance with the requirements of section 620M of the FAA, also known as the Leahy law, project beneficiaries or participants from a foreign government’s security forces may need to be vetted by the Department before the provision of any assistance. If a proposed grant or cooperative agreement will provide assistance to foreign security forces or personnel, compliance with the Leahy Law is required.

In addition, funds cannot be made available to any individual or organization that has committed serious human rights abuse.

Organizations should be cognizant of these restrictions when developing project proposals as these restrictions will require appropriate due diligence of program beneficiaries and collaboration with U.S. Embassy Yerevan to ensure compliance with these restrictions. Program beneficiaries subject to due diligence vetting will include any individuals or entities that are beneficiaries of foreign assistance funding or support.

D.6 Other Submission Requirements

All application materials must be submitted by email to yerevangrants@state.gov

E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

1. Criteria

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Support of Equity and Underserved Communities – 10 points: Proposals should clearly demonstrate how the program will support and advance equity and engage underserved communities in program administration, design, and implementation.

2. Review and Selection Process

The Department of State is committed to ensuring a competitive and standardized process for awarding funding. Applications will be screened initially in a Technical Eligibility Review stage to determine whether applicants meet the eligibility requirements outlined in section C and have submitted all required documents outlined in section D. Applications that do not meet these requirements will not advance beyond the Technical Eligibility Review stage and will be deemed ineligible for funding under this NOFO.

All applications that are deemed eligible will proceed to the Merit Review Panel consisting of U.S. Government subject matter and/or country-specific experts and will be rated on a 100-point scale. U.S. Embassy Yerevan reserves the right to request the assistance of non-U.S. Government Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), if appropriate to the solicitation. Point values for individual elements of the application are presented Section E.1 Proposal Review Criteria. Merit Review Panel Reviewers’ ratings, and any resulting recommendations, are advisory. Merit Review Panel Reviewers may provide conditions and recommendations on applications to enhance the proposed project, which must be addressed by the applicant before further consideration of the award.

The Merit Review Panel’s recommendations may be subject to a final review and high-level approval at the discretion of the U.S. Embassy Yerevan’s senior level official and will be influenced by whether the application meets the Department of State’s programmatic goals and objectives, how it supports the Department’s overarching foreign policy priorities, and the geographic distribution of the top-ranking applications. The decision for the final award determination rests with the Grants Officer.

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

i. 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 any information about the applicant that is in the U.S. government designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM.gov (see 41 U.S.C. 2313);

ii. An applicant, at its option, may review and comment on any information about itself that a Federal awarding agency previously entered. Currently, federal agencies create integrity records in the integrity module of the Contractor Performance Assessment and Reporting System (CPARS) and these records are visible as responsibility/qualification records in SAM.gov;

iii. The Federal awarding agency will consider any comments by the applicant, in addition to the other information in the designated integrity and performance system, in making a judgment about the applicant's integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under Federal awards when completing the review of risk posed by applicants as described in §200.206 Federal awarding agency review of risk posed by applicants.

F. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

1. Federal Award Notices

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

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

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

Payment Method:

The Recipient must request payment under this award by completing form SF-270—Request for Advance or Reimbursement and submitting the form to the Grants Officer. Unless otherwise stipulated, the Recipient may request payments on a reimbursement or advance basis.

Advance payments must be limited to the minimum amounts needed and be timed to be in accordance with the actual, immediate cash requirements of the Recipient in carrying out the purpose of this award. The timing and amount of advance payments must be as close as is administratively feasible to the actual disbursements by the Recipient for direct program or project costs and the proportionate share of any allowable indirect costs.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

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

These include:

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

· 2 CFR 170 - REPORTING SUBAWARD AND EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION INFORMATION

· 2 CFR 175 - AWARD TERM FOR TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS

· 2 CFR 182 - GOVERNMENTWIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE (FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE)

· 2 CFR 183 - NEVER CONTRACT WITH THE ENEMY

· 2 CFR 600 – DEPARTMENT OF STATE REQUIREMENTS

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

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

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

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

· Prohibiting the purchase of certain telecommunication and video surveillance services or equipment in alignment with section 889 of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2019 (Pub. L. No. 115—232) (2 CFR part 200.216),

· 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 in whole or in part to the greatest extent authorized by law, if an award no longer effectuates the program goals or agency priorities (2 CFR part 200.340).

3. Reporting

Reporting Requirements: Applicants should be aware that U.S. Embassy Yerevan awards will require that all reports (financial and performance progress) be submitted via email to the Grants Officer and Grants Officer Representative on a quarterly basis. The Federal Financial Report (SF-425) is the required form for the financial reports. The performance progress reports must: include a narrative as described below; reflect the focus on measuring the project’s progress on the overarching objectives; and be compiled according to the objectives, outcomes, and outputs as outlined in the award’s Scope of Work (SOW) and in the Performance Monitoring & Evaluation Narrative and Plan (PMENP). An assessment of the overall project’s impact should be included in each performance progress report. Where relevant, performance progress reports should include the following sections:

Recipient is responsible for monitoring the activities, performance, and expenditures of any subrecipient(s). Recipient must have monitoring tools in place to ensure that subaward(s) is used for authorized purposes, and that the subrecipient(s) is complying with applicable regulations and the terms and conditions of the subaward (2 CFR §200.332).

Applicants should be aware of the post award reporting requirements reflected in 2 CFR 200 Appendix XII—Award Term and Condition for Recipient Integrity and Performance Matters.

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.

A final narrative and financial report must also be submitted within 120 days after the expiration of the award.

Please note: Delays in reporting may result in delays of payment approvals and failure to provide required reports may jeopardize the recipient's’ ability to receive future U.S. Government funds. U.S. Embassy Yerevan reserves the right to request any additional programmatic and/or financial project information during the award period.

G. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS

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

H. OTHER INFORMATION

Applicants should be aware that U.S. Embassy Yerevan understands that some information contained in applications may be considered sensitive or proprietary and will make appropriate efforts to protect such information. However, applicants are advised that U.S. Embassy Yerevan cannot guarantee that such information will not be disclosed, including pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) or other similar statutes.

The information in this NOFO is binding and may not be modified by any U.S. Embassy Yerevan representative. Explanatory information provided by U.S. Embassy Yerevan that contradicts this language will not be binding. 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.

Attachments:

· Scope of Work (SOW)

· Performance Monitoring & Evaluation Narrative and Plan (PMENP) Template

· Detailed Budget - Budget Guidance and Template for New Awards

· Budget Narrative - Budget Narrative Template