NOFO Valuing Female Domestic and Informal Work Through Capacity.docx

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE

U.S. EMBASSY PRAIA

NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

Funding Opportunity Title: Valuing Female Domestic and Informal Work Through Capacity Building

Key Dates: 1. Questions must be submitted to praiagrants@state.gov until July 15 2024

2. Applications must be submitted to praiagrants@state.gov by July 17 2024

3. Anticipated project approval and award signing in September 2024

The funding will be for U.S. Government Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 (ESF/Gender Equity and Equality Action (GEEA) Fund.)

This notice is subject to availability of funding.

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The U.S. Embassy Praia of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a program to economically empower and increase employment opportunities for at least 100 female, informal workers, through targeted capacity building, awareness, training, and other activities to be proposed by the organizations. Official data show that poverty in Cabo Verde disproportionately impacts women. Government officials and civil society representatives recognize that poverty has a “female face.” Poverty among women contributes to other issues as well. Women living in poverty, including informal and domestic workers, are particularly susceptible to abuse and gender-based violence, and sexual harassment. Lack of knowledge and of access to important information, including on their legal rights, also creates vulnerabilities for this group. For women with children, parental responsibilities sometimes hinder the ability of women to compete in the labor market and secure quality jobs. In Cabo Verde, over 60.1 percent of single parent families are led by women. Data suggest that women face more challenges in finding jobs. The latest survey on the informal sector found that 62.5 percent of informal workers are women, and their income is 28.7 percent less than men engaged in similar activities. Data indicate that more than 25 percent of Cabo Verdean women are domestic workers, from those more that 90 percent do not have a work contract and only 10 percent are enrolled in the social security system. Informal jobs are extremely vulnerable to shocks, as confirmed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many women remain unemployed or engaged in precarious work. Project proposals should address the above problems by strengthening the capacity of women through the acquisition of relevant business management skills and practical tools, as well providing knowledge about their rights, all of which will improve their knowledge and skillset, and help women compete for better, more stable employment opportunities.

The proposed implementation strategy should involve relevant expertise and know-how in the design and implementation phases of the project and include relevant partnerships with non-governmental, community-based organizations, municipalities, central government departments, and/or other relevant entities. Proposed projects should build monitoring and evaluation - including time-bound milestones for performance/results – into the project.

Participants and Audiences:

Main project beneficiaries are female, informal workers (with majority being domestic workers).

Priority Region:

Project activities will be implemented in Cabo Verde. Project proposals should identify targeted island(s). Preference will be given to projects that propose a more inclusive and national approach, aligned with the available budget and anticipated period of performance.

Program Goal:

By the end of the performance period, the project will economically empower and increase employment opportunities for at least 100 women informal workers, with a majority being domestic workers, through targeted capacity building and awareness.

Program Objectives:

Objective 1: Equip female, informal workers, particularly domestic workers, with knowledge and skillset to access safer and more secure employment.

Objective 2: Enhance the knowledge of informal workers, particularly domestic workers, regarding their rights.

Objective 3: Organize relevant stakeholders to advocate for legal and procedural reforms for the benefit of informal workers, with a focus on issues and barriers facing domestic workers.

Expected Results:

Expected results of the program must at least include:

· At least 100 women adequately identified and trained in small business management and other practical training, and with stronger knowledge about their rights and duties. Selected women must represent diverse participants inclusive of marginalized populations.

· Support at least 100 women find an improved employment opportunity, including self-employment.

· A measurable increase in awareness of workers’ rights, including the rights of domestic workers.

· Further advance reforms for the benefit of female, informal workers.

Main Activities:

Detailed activities should be proposed by applicants, and should include at minimum:

· Include a planning phase to clarify project’s activities; public presentation of the project on the targeted islands; mapping and liaison with key partners on the beneficiary islands and at the central level, including through the establishment of memorandums of understanding (MOUs) for relevant partnerships for project implementation; technical and logistical organization of the trainings and awareness campaigns. The project’s technical team will work together with the partners to design the training program, awareness campaign and other project activities, and select the beneficiary women, trainers and other needs based on the implementation approach.

· Implement capacity building which should include topics such as Small Business Management, Financial Education, Marketing and Stock Management, Gender/Gender Based Violence/ Harassment in the informal working environment, Workers’ Rights and Duties & Health and Safety at Work, and Caregiver Training as an employment opportunity, and any others identified by the applicant. Proposed training modules should include the number of days required for completion, and criteria to be considered for a successful completion.

· Design and implement a competitive cash award program for the establishment or sustainable continuation of a small business, with clear processes and criteria, to benefit women that had successfully completed training activities. The applicant should explain how these disbursements will be tracked and success measured.

· Implement information and awareness campaigns on informal and domestic workers’ rights and duties.

· Implement advocacy activities to advance reforms that would benefit female, informal and domestic workers.

Performance Indicators:

The project should monitor and report on performance indicators that are specific, measurable, achievable, reasonable, and time bound. Applicants should establish, where possible, performance targets for each expected result and include details on sources that will be used to document performance, how the indicators will be measured and frequency of measurement.

Applicants shall use and add indicators to the list below and insert it in the proposed application document. Subsequent to the award, periodic reporting of indicators will be required.

· Number of women trained.

· Number with increased economic opportunities as a result of the program, including engaged in income generating activities and self-employment.

· Number of information campaigns informal and domestic workers’ rights and duties (radio, TV, social media) implemented.

· Number of civil society organizations supported with project funds (sex disaggregated)

· Meetings with government officials (or others to advance reforms).

Although reflected in the preliminary indicators above, the following indicators are required:

· Percentage of female participants in USG-assisted programs designed to increase access to productive economic resources (e.g., assets, credit, income, or employment).

· Number of persons trained with USG assistance to advance outcomes consistent with gender equality or female empowerment through their roles in public or private sector and/or civil society institutions or organizations (sex disaggregated).

· Percent of individuals with better employment following participation in USG-assisted workforce development programs (sex disaggregated).

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Organizations can only submit one application in response to the NOFO. The Embassy may: (a) reject any or all applications, (b) accept an application other than the lowest cost application, or (c) waive informalities and minor irregularities in applications received.

The Embassy may make the award 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 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.

The funding instrument type for this award is a grant.

Program Performance Period:

The proposed program should be completed in two years.

C. ELEGIBILITY INFORMATION

1. Eligible Applicants

Eligibility is limited to the entities listed below, Cabo Verdean or non-Cabo Verdean, with relevant Cabo Verde experience in the area(s) targeted by the project:

· Non-profit organizations including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations.

· Public and private educational institutions

· Public international organizations

· Governmental institutions

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

Applicants must have existing, or the capacity to develop, active partnerships with local in-country partners, entities, and relevant stakeholders and have successfully administered similar projects.

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

1. Address to Request Application Package

Application forms required below are available at grants.gov. Applicants can also contact PraiaGrants@state.gov

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

Please follow all instructions below carefully. Proposals that do not meet the requirements of this announcement or fail to comply with the stated requirements will be ineligible.

Content of Application

Please ensure:

· The proposal clearly addresses the goals and objectives of this funding opportunity.

· All documents are in English.

· Budgets can be presented in Cabo Verdean Escudos, but with U.S. Dollar conversion.

· All pages are numbered.

· All documents are formatted to A4 paper, and

· All Microsoft Word documents are single-spaced, 12-point Calibri font, with a minimum of 1-inch margins.

Complete proposals do not exceed 23 pages.

The following documents are required:

1. Mandatory application forms

• SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance – Organizations)

• SF-424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs)

• SF-424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs). The SF-424B is only required for applicants not registered in SAM.gov)

2. Summary Page: Cover sheet stating the applicant name and organization, proposal date, program title, program period proposed start and end date, and brief purpose of the program.

3. Proposal (11 pages maximum): The proposal should contain sufficient information that anyone not familiar with it would understand exactly what the applicant wants to do. You may use your own proposal format, but it must include all the items below.

· Proposal Summary: Short narrative that outlines the proposed program, including program objectives and anticipated impact.

· Introduction to the Organization Applying: A description of past and present operations, showing ability to carry out the program, including information on all previous grants from the 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.

· Program Goals and Objectives: The “goals” describe what the program is intended to achieve. The “objectives” refer to the intermediate accomplishments on the way to the goals. These should be achievable and measurable.

· Program Activities: Describe the program activities and how they will help achieve the objectives listed in Section A.

· Program Methods and Design: A description of how the program is expected to work to solve the stated problem and achieve the goal. Include a logic model as appropriate.

· Proposed Program Schedule and Timeline: The proposed timeline for the program activities. Include the dates, times, and locations of planned activities and events.

· Key Personnel: Names, titles, roles and experience/qualifications of key personnel involved in the program. What proportion of their time will be used in support of this program?

· Program Partners: List the names and type of involvement of key partner organizations and sub-awardees, if applicable.

· Program Monitoring and Evaluation Plan: This is an important part of successful grants. Throughout the timeframe of the grant, how will the activities be monitored to ensure they are happening in a timely manner, and how will the program be evaluated to make sure it is meeting the goals of the grant?

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

· Gender Analysis (not to exceed 3 pages, single-spaced, 12-point Calibri font in Microsoft Word, with a minimum of 1-inch margins), identifying relevant gender gaps and opportunities and ways the work will address those gaps and opportunities. The analysis should also demonstrate sound approaches to social inclusion [including but not limited to ethnic and religious minorities, LGBTQI+ individuals, people with disabilities, and other groups often discriminated against or excluded from decision-making]. Proposals should demonstrate how addressing relevant gender gaps enhance the project’s goals and objectives, must address the different ways in which different genders might affect and be affected by the project, and articulate a plan to minimize gender inequalitiesand how the gender analysis will be revisited, updated, and adapted throughout implementation. Proposals must show how the program will take an inclusive, locally led approach that represents a broad range of women and is clearly driven by the needs of the community. In addition to being weaved into the proposal narrative, this should also be a standalone document and attached to the application.

4. Budget Justification Narrative: After filling out the SF-424A Budget (above), use a separate file to describe each of the budget expenses in detail. See section H. Other Information: Guidelines for Budget Submissions below for further information.

5. Attachments:

· 1-page CV or resume of key personnel who are proposed for the program.

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

· If your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, your latest NICRA should be included as a PDF file.

· Official permission letters, if required for program activities

· Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP) describing the measures proposed by an applicant to capture and demonstrate progress towards achieving the objectives of the proposed project. Please see Section A and use the provided table. The quality and feasibility of the proposed PMP will be among the elements on which applications are evaluated.

· Project timeline and/ or Calendar of Activities

· Risk Assessment and Contingency Plan indicating assumptions of potential risks and contingency plan outlining how to mitigate restrictions/ interruptions to the project implementation. Applicants should include all assumptions and external factors in the risk analysis, including and especially safety and security of staff, participants, and beneficiaries. This includes providing information on applicant’s internal policies with regards to safeguarding and protection of implementer staff, sub-implementer staff, and project beneficiaries from sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA). Applicants should rate the likelihood of a risk and potential impact of the risk as “High,” “Medium,” or “Low.” Risks are unavoidable – all projects inherently contain both internal and external risks. However, with proper identification and management, risks can be prepared for, minimized, or mitigated. The purpose of a risk analysis is to identify the internal and external risks associated with the proposed project in the application, 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.

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.

4. Submission Dates and Times

Applications are due no later than July 17, 2024

5. Funding Restrictions

Funds may not be used for any military or paramilitary purposes. In addition, funds may not be used to support police, prisons, or other law enforcement forces or foreign intelligence services.

6. Other Submission Requirements

All application materials must be submitted electronically by email to PraiaGrants@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 – 10 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 – 5 points: Proposals should clearly demonstrate how the program will support and advance equity and engage underserved communities in program administration, design, and implementation.

Gender Analysis – 10 points: Proposals include an initial evidence-based gender analysis, and the analysis findings are reflected in the program design. The risk analysis and mitigation plan include any relevant findings from the gender analysis. Application includes the required information on Do No Harm and safeguarding policies, including with regards to PSEA, and how the applicant will work on related areas with partners.

2. Review and Selection Process

A review committee will evaluate all eligible applications.

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: Request for Payment shall be made via the submission of the completed SF-270 form. Payments shall be disbursed via EFT upon receipt of a signed SF-270 and required reporting.

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

Note the U.S. Flag branding and marking requirements in the 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: 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: Recipients will, at a minimum, be required to submit quarterly Progress Reports and quarterly Financial Reports. The award document will specify dates when these reports must be submitted. Progress Reports will compare actual to planned performance and indicate the progress made in accomplishing each award task/goal noted in the grant agreement and will contain analysis and summary of findings, both quantitative and qualitative for key indicator. Financial Reports provide a means of monitoring expenditures and comparing costs incurred with progress. Beyond a brief explanation of expenditures, the grantee should submit the completed Financial Form SF-425. Failure to submit reports on time will result in payment delays.

Recipients must report immediately when a program faces unplanned delays in implementation, fails to meet targets or milestones, or cost changes. Any changes or revisions to the approved budget require prior approval from the Grants Officer.

Progress Reporting:

At minimum, it is expected that progress reports include:

· Significant activities of the period and how activities reflect progress towards achieving goals.

· Evaluation of progress on goals/ objectives with quantitative and qualitative data, as appropriate.

· Any problem/ challenge in implementing the project and a corrective action plan.

· An update on expenditures during the reporting period.

· Supporting documentation or products related to project activities (such as surveys, policy recommendation report, etc.).

· Performance indicator results and supporting documentation.

· As applicable: project spotlight highlighting a significant area of progress, key events, photos of implementation activities such as training, workshops and other.

Final Report:

The final report will be due no later than 120 days after the end date of the award or termination of all project activities. Additional guidance may be provided prior to the award date.

Foreign Assistance Data Review: As required by Congress, the Department of State must make progress in its efforts to improve tracking and reporting of foreign assistance data through the Foreign Assistance Data Review (FADR). The FADR requires tracking of foreign assistance activity data from budgeting, planning, and allocation through obligation and disbursement. Successful applicants will be required to report and draw down federal funding based on the appropriate FADR Data Elements, indicated within their award documentation. In cases of more than one FADR Data Element, typically program or sector and/or regions or country, the successful applicant will be required to maintain separate accounting records.

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.

G. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS

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

H. OTHER INFORMATION

Guidelines for Budget Justification

Personnel and Fringe Benefits: Describe the wages, salaries, and benefits of temporary or permanent staff who will be working directly for the applicant on the program, and the percentage of their time that will be spent on the program.

Travel: Estimate the costs of travel and per diem for this program, for program staff, consultants or speakers, and participants/beneficiaries. If the program involves international travel, include a brief statement of justification for that travel.

Equipment: Describe any machinery, furniture, or other personal property that is required for the program, which has a useful life of more than one year (or a life longer than the duration of the program), and costs at least $5,000 per unit.

Supplies: List and describe all the items and materials, including any computer devices, that are needed for the program. If an item costs more than $5,000 per unit, then put it in the budget under Equipment.

Contractual: Describe goods and services that the applicant plans to acquire through a contract with a vendor. Also describe any sub-awards to non-profit partners that will help carry out the program activities.

Other Direct Costs: Describe other costs directly associated with the program, which do not fit in the other categories. For example, shipping costs for materials and equipment or applicable taxes. All “Other” or “Miscellaneous” expenses must be itemized and explained.

Indirect Costs: These are costs that cannot be linked directly to the program activities, such as overhead costs needed to help keep the organization operating. If your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, attach a copy of your latest NICRA. Organizations that have never had a NICRA may request indirect costs of 10% of modified total direct costs as defined in 2 CFR 200.68.

“Cost Sharing” refers to contributions from the organization or other entities other than the U.S. Embassy. It also includes in-kind contributions such as volunteers’ time and donated venues.

Alcoholic Beverages: Please note that award funds cannot be used for alcoholic beverages.

Conflict of Interest Applicants must disclose in writing any potential conflict of interest to the Federal awarding agency.

Preventing Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA)

Applicants are advised that the recipient will take all practical steps in accordance with their internal controls and existing policies and procedures to address the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA). In accordance with the internal control requirements in 2 CFR 200.303, which require the recipient to establish standards of conduct for its employees, the recipient must ensure that all its employees adhere to these standards of conduct in a manner that incorporates safeguarding against the sexual exploitation and abuse of beneficiaries, including but not limited to updating internal policies and procedures, as applicable and appropriate, and conducting appropriate monitoring of beneficiaries, as required by 2 CFR 200.329, which stipulates that the “non-Federal entity must monitor its activities under Federal awards to assure compliance with applicable Federal requirements.” If the recipient determines that the conduct of any recipient employee is not in accordance with this requirement, the recipient must address the situation in accordance with the recipient’s internal policies and procedures.

Marking Policy Applicants are advised that recipients and sub-recipients of Federal assistance awards are subject to the State Department’s Marking Policy. More information on this policy can be found here: https://brand.america.gov/d/WrAFnKrhEEfk/missions#/af/u-s-in-cabo-verde

Project Monitoring and Site Visits Beyond regular reporting, Embassy staff will monitor project implementation via email, meetings (in person and virtual) and site visits. Site visits are conducted to gather additional information and will involve the review of programmatic progress as well as administrative and financial management and controls, if needed.

Attachments:

Attachment 1: Budget Template Attachment 2: Budget Narrative Attachment 3: Performance Monitoring Plan Template Attachment 4: Gender Analysis Sample Questions for NOFO Applicants