NOFO-WPS-TILLABERI.docx

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Embassy Niamey Notice of Funding Opportunity

Funding Opportunity Title: Strengthening Women-Mediated Peace Processes in Tillaberi Region Funding Opportunity Number: NIGER-STATE-WPS-2024-002 Deadline for Applications: June 3, 2024 Assistance Listing Number: 19.222 Total Amount Available: $100,000

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The U.S. Embassy Niamey of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a program to increase women’s participation as mediators in community peace processes in Tillaberi Region. Please follow all instructions below.

Priority Region: Tillaberi Region

Program Description and Objectives:

In January 2023, community leaders in northern Tillaberi Region’s Bani Bangou Department signed a landmark peace agreement between the Fulani and Zarma ethnic groups. The peace agreement ended three years of cyclical intercommunal massacres exacerbated by the Islamic State of the Greater Sahara (IS-GS)’s vicious attacks and recruitment schemes in these localities. Six months later, Tuareg and Fulani leaders in neighboring Ouallam Department signed their own community peace accord to end similar intercommunal violence strategically spurred by IS-GS. Neither Bani Bangou nor Ouallam Department has experienced cyclical intercommunal massacres since the accords’ signature. The National Council for Safeguarding the Homeland (CNSP) has continued sponsoring the mediation of additional peace agreements in localities across northern Tillaberi Region since the coup d’etat in July 2023, targeting areas like Gourol Commune that have been devastated by intercommunal massacres, IS-GS warfare, and mass population displacement.

Nigerien women did not serve as mediators in the negotiation of the Tillaberi Region peace accords. Instead, the men mediators held focus group discussions with women community members to incorporate their perspectives into their conflict analysis prior to the start of negotiations. This reflects a common trend in Nigerien peacebuilding and mediation: men lead and facilitate peace processes, involving women as passive informants and participants in the peace accord ceremonies. Peacebuilding interventions have had a transformative impact on the ability of women leaders in Tillaberi Region to mediate disputes and promote peace in their communities. Yet older men continue to dominate the mediation of community peace processes, ultimately leaving local patriarchal power structures untouched.

Prospective projects should respond to the following goal:

Women leaders will increase their participation in northern Tillaberi Region peace processes as mediators and institutionalize their leadership in partnership with national and local authorities by 2026.

Prospective projects should reflect a strong strategic vision with clearly defined procedures for overcoming gender inclusion barriers in northern Tillaberi peace processes. Prospective projects should build on previous women peacebuilding interventions in northern Tillaberi and work with local women leaders who have been already trained on mediation skills and conflict resolution. Applicants are strongly encouraged against holding new trainings for local women leaders and are instead advised to work with local women leaders who have previously received mediation training. Applicants are advised to focus on strategic activities that advance women’s integration into local peace process mediation.

Possible project activities include:

· Rapid gender inclusion assessment of northern Tillaberi Region peace processes

· Gender inclusion strategy development for northern Tillaberi Region peace processes

· Advocacy meetings to implement a peace process gender inclusion strategy

· Gender-inclusive peace monitoring

· Public gender inclusion sensitization activities

Close collaboration with Nigerien authorities like the Ministry of Interior’s Stabilization Unit and the High Authority for the Consolidation of Peace (HACP) as well as other partners implementing peace process support activities in northern Tillaberi Region is essential for successful project implementation. The successful applicant will demonstrate a successful track record of gender inclusion in local peacebuilding and will have collaborated previously with national or local Nigerien authorities. Applicants should budget for quarterly meetings of a project advisory group that will ensure coordination with Nigerien authorities and other women, peace, and security implementing partners.

Participants and Audiences:

The successful applicant will work with women leaders in northern Tillaberi Region who have been trained by previous peacebuilding and gender inclusion programs to co-design and implement gender inclusion activities. The successful applicant will build on pre-existing relationships with local and national Nigerien authorities, community leaders, and women’s leaders in northern Tillaberi Region to manage a broad coalition of partners critical to successful gender inclusion.

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Length of Performance Period: 18 months Number of Awards Anticipated: 1 award Award Amount: $100,000 Total Available Funding: $100,000 Type of Funding: FY23 Economic Support Funds under the Foreign Assistance Act

This notice is subject to availability of funding.

Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative agreement. Substantial involvement from Embassy Niamey staff will include, but is not limited to, advocacy strategy implementation support, financial management mentorship, and monitoring and evaluation mentorship.

Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 18 months or less.

C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION

1. Eligible Applicants

Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations, are eligible to apply. Priority will be given to Nigerien not-for-profit organizations, especially those led by women and based in northern Tillaberi Region.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

This project has no requirement for cost sharing. Cost sharing will not be taken into consideration in evaluating proposals.

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.

4. The following activities and costs are not covered under this announcement:

· Construction is not an allowable activity under this award.

· Activities that appear partisan or that support individual or party electoral campaigns.

· Direct support or the appearance of direct support for any religious organization, to include repair or building of structures used for religious purposes.

· Military assistance of any kind, including weapons buy-back or rewards programs.

· Purchase of firearms, ammunition, or removal of unexploded ordnances.

· Para-police (i.e., militias, neighborhood watch, security guards) and prison-related projects. This restriction includes no funding of any secondary need in a law-enforcement organization.

· Payments for any partner government, military, or civilian government employee salary or pension.

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

Address to Request Application Package: Application forms required below are available at https://ne.usembassy.gov/ and grants.gov.

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.

· All budgets are in U.S. dollars.

· All pages are numbered.

· All documents are formatted to 8 ½ x 11 paper.

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

The following documents are required:

1. Mandatory application forms

· SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance- organizations) at https://www.grants.gov/forms

· SF-424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs) at https://www.grants.gov/forms

· SF-424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs) at https://www.grants.gov/forms (note: the SF-424B is only required for individuals and for organizations not registered in SAM.gov)

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

3. Proposal (10 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 or Individual 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. This should reflect a strong strategic vision with clearly defined procedures for overcoming gender inclusion barriers in northern Tillaberi peace processes.

· 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.

· 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.

· Program Monitoring and Evaluation Plan: This is an important part of successful grants. Throughout the time-frame 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.

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

6. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov) (NOTE: This section is required and not optional, except for NOFOs targeting applications from individuals instead of organizations)

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)

Submission Dates and Times: Applications are due no later than June 6, 2024, at 23:59 West Africa Time.

Other Submission Requirements: All application materials must be submitted by email to niameygrants@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 – 25 points: The program idea is well developed, with detail about how program activities will be carried out. The program idea reflects a strong understanding of peace processes in northern Tillaberi Region and elaborates a nuanced advocacy strategy that reflects an understanding of national and local gender, political, and security dynamics. The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline.

Organizational Capacity and Record on Previous Grants – 25 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. The organization is a domestic Nigerien organization led by women based in northern Tillaberi Region.

Program Planning/Ability to Achieve Objectives – 10 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 – 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

A review committee will evaluate all eligible applications.

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; 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.

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:

G. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS

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

Branding Requirements:

As a condition of receipt of a grant award, all materials produced pursuant to the award, including training materials, materials for recipients or materials to communicate or promote with foreign audiences a program, event, project, or some other activity under an agreement, including but not limited to invitations to events, press materials, and backdrops, podium signs, etc. must be marked appropriately with the standard, rectangular U.S. flag in a size and prominence equal to (or greater than) any other logo or identity. Note: Exceptions to the branding requirement are allowable under certain conditions. If an applicant is notified that their award has been chosen for funding, the Grants Officer will determine, in consultation with the applicant, if an exception is applicable.