Notice-of-Funding-Opportunity_2024-Media_FINAL.pdf

Department of State – Embassy of the United States, Bishkek, The Kyrgyz Republic

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

Program Office: Public Diplomacy Section, U.S. Embassy, Bishkek Funding Opportunity Title: Media Small Grants Program Announcement Type: Grant or Cooperative Agreement Funding Opportunity Number: STATE‐BISHKEK‐PDS‐24‐0006 Deadline for Applications: June 30, 2024 (11:59 p.m. Bishkek Time) CFDA Number: 19.900 – Assistance to Eastern Europe, Eurasia, and Central Asia

CONTACT INFORMATION

● For questions relating to Grants.gov, please call the Grants.gov Contact Center at 1‐800‐

518‐4726 (U.S. toll‐free number) or for international callers, 1‐606‐545‐5035. Support may also be available at https://www.grants.gov/support.html or via email at support@grants.gov for technical assistance.

● For assistance with the requirements of this solicitation, contact the Media Small Grants Team at the U.S. Embassy in Bishkek by email at BishkekProjectProposals@state.gov.

● To inquire about the process for obtaining a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) contact Donald Hunter at HunterDS@state.gov.

One of the options to submit proposals is through www.Grants.gov. Authorization to submit proposals through www.Grants.gov is a multi‐step process that requires prior successful registration with two separate sites: Sam.gov and www.Grants.gov. Please begin the registration processes immediately to ensure the registrations are completed well in advance of the submission deadline. The process can require up to six weeks for the registrations to be validated and confirmed. See Section E: Application Submission Information for further details.

Due to the volume of applicants and inquiries, the Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) does not accept letters of intent, concept papers, or requests for meetings or phone calls prior to submission of proposals, as described below.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application package has been received in its entirety. Incomplete applications will be considered ineligible. Applicants are urged to begin the application process well before the submission deadline. No exceptions will be made for organizations that have not completed the necessary steps.

Table of Contents

A. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

C. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMMISSION INFORMATION

Section 1—Required Registrations

Section 2—Standard Form 424 Family

Section 3—Organization Information ............................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.

Section 4—Technical Proposal

Section 5—Budget

Section 6—Key Personnel and Project Partners

F. REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS

G. APPLICATION EVALUATION CRITERIA

H. FEDERAL AWARD NOTICES

I. OTHER INFORMATION

A. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

Executive Summary:

The U.S. Embassy Bishkek Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce funding is available as specified below through the Embassy’s Media Small Grants Program. This program supports the development of the Kyrgyz Republic’s media and its role in society by competitively awarding small grants to Kyrgyz non‐profit, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and associations working in the media sector, independent media organizations, registered media entrepreneurs, and to individual journalists and content creators producing journalistic content for online platforms. Awards will be made pending the availability of funds.

PDS invites proposals for programs that support professional journalism and promote access to information and freedom of expression. Programs should aim at strengthening capacity and sustainability of media organizations, journalists, and content creators to report with transparency and objectivity, maintain independence, and build sustainability. Programs may also include partnerships with government organizations.

Background:

The Media Small Grants Program advances the U.S. Embassy goal of supporting a more inclusive and accountable democracy. It seeks to increase journalistic professionalism, expand the capabilities of independent media, and promoted access to information. The intended result is increased production of balanced, locally relevant, diverse, and high‐quality media products.

Prior activities through this program have included support for projects that:

Produced quality journalism and educated journalists on best practices, including investigative work on key issues.

Educated the public on safe social media use for children by partnering with social media influencers and bloggers.

Supported the ability of government relations officials to effectively communicate with constituents.

Produced journalistic content that highlights women’s leadership in the regions.

Proposed programs should be innovative and clearly demonstrate how they will complement any ongoing programs and avoid duplicating past efforts. They may include activities that improve upon or expand existing successful projects. Applicants should pay close attention to the PDS project goal and target audiences when developing their proposals.

Project Goal: Strengthen the capacity of media organizations, journalists, and content creators in the Kyrgyz Republic to produce high quality and locally relevant media content.

Project Audience(s):

General public

Media entities, both traditional and online media

Media managers and professionals

Individual journalists

Content creators engaged on issues such as climate change, air pollution, environmental protection, education, human rights, and civic activism.

Local government bodies

University journalism students, faculty, and administrators

Project Objectives: Project proposals may address one or more of these objectives, or other objectives within the above policy priorities.

1. Increase access to fact‐based, objective information about topics of public interest, such as health, education, the economy, etc.

2. Combat misinformation and propaganda through the promotion of fact‐based reporting, fact‐checking, and investigative journalism.

3. Improve skills and knowledge related to fact‐checking and investigative journalism among Kyrgyz media organizations, journalists, and content creators through training workshops and mentorship.

4. Increase the technical capacity of journalism students, practicing journalists, media professionals, or content creators through practical, hands‐on training in graphic design, photography, video production, and integrating new and emerging technologies, such as generative Artificial Intelligence (AI).

5. Create partnerships between independent media organizations and university journalism programs and their faculty to foster professional media skills development and internship opportunities.

6. Foster transparency and communication between media, government, and constituents.

7. Facilitate dialogues and forums between media representatives, government officials and the general public to solicit feedback and identify areas for improvement in media transparency.

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Funding Mechanism Type: Cooperative Agreement AND/OR Grant Estimated Award Ceiling: $50,000 Estimated Award Floor: $10,000 Length of Project Period: 9‐12 months Number of Awards Anticipated: 2‐4 awards (Pending availability of funds) Anticipated Program Start Date: September‐October 2024

PDS reserves the right to award less or more than the funds described under circumstances deemed to be in the best interest of the U.S. government, pending the availability of funds and approval of the designated grants officer.

This program will be funded under the Foreign Assistance Act authorization. All programming is subject to the statutory limitations of the funding determined.

Funding Range: The maximum grant amount per award is $50,000. The average approved award range is between $20,000 and $30,000.

Funding Mechanism Type: Cooperative agreements are different from grants in that Embassy staff are more actively involved in the grant implementation. In case of a cooperative agreement, the U.S. Embassy may be more actively involved in the project execution and anticipate having moderate to substantial involvement once the award has been made.

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

C. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

The Media Small Grants Program supports the development of the Kyrgyz Republic’s media institutions by competitively awarding small grants to:

⮚ Kyrgyz Republic‐registered non‐profit, non‐governmental organizations (NGOs) and associations working in media‐related areas;

⮚ Kyrgyz Republic‐registered independent media organizations and companies;

and

⮚ Kyrgyzstani journalists and content creators producing journalistic content for online platforms.

State bodies are encouraged to work with eligible NGOs, independent media organizations, and individuals to submit applications. American or other third country organizations are not eligible for grants under this program.

1. Organizations may sub‐contract with other entities, but only one non‐governmental entity can be the prime recipient of the award. When sub‐contracting with other entities, the responsibilities of each entity must be clearly defined in the proposal.

2. In order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a unique entity identifier assigned by SAM.gov, as well as a valid registration on SAM.gov.

3. Cost sharing or matching is encouraged, but not required for this funding opportunity.

4. Pre‐award costs are generally not an allowable expense for this funding opportunity, but may be considered on a case‐by‐case basis.

5. This award does not allow:

● Projects relating to partisan political activity

● Conferences abroad or individual trips abroad

● Charitable or development activities, including direct social services

● Construction projects

● Projects that support specific religious activities

● Fund‐raising campaigns

● Lobbying for specific legislation or programs

● Medical, scientific research or surveys

● Art or cultural projects

● Commercial projects

● Projects that duplicate existing projects

● Illegal activities

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMMISSION INFORMATION

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.

Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted until June 30, 2024 at 11:59 PM Bishkek time. For the purposes of determining if an award is submitted on time, PDS will utilize the time‐stamp provided by Grants.gov. If organizations fail to meet the deadline noted above, their application will be considered ineligible and will not be considered for funding. If there are still funds available after the Media Small Grants Program selection committee meeting, PDS may publish another Media Small Grants Program NOFO this fiscal year.

Application Submission Process

There are two application submission methods available to applicants. Applicants may submit their application using Submission Method A or Submission Method B outlined below.

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

● Submission Method B: Submitting all application materials through Grants.gov. For those opting to apply through Grants.gov, thorough instructions on the application process are available at http://www.grants.gov. For questions relating to Grants.gov, please call the Grants.gov Contact Center at 1‐800‐518‐4726 (U.S. toll‐free number) or for international callers: 1‐606‐545‐5035. Technical support may also be available at https://www.grants.gov/support.html or via email at support@grants.gov. Please note that BishkekProjectProposals@state.gov is unable to assist with technical questions or problems applicants experience with Grants.gov.

Content of Application Submission

Please ensure:

1. The proposal clearly addresses the goals, audiences, and objectives of this notice.

2. All documents are in English. Applicants may choose to supplement their proposals with

Russian or Kyrgyz versions, but final grant agreements will be concluded in English.

3. All budgets are in U.S. dollars.

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

E. TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLICATION SUBMISSION

The following documents and components are required and must be included in the applicant’s submission:

SF‐424 (Application for Federal Assistance – form required for organizations and entrepreneurial ventures)

SF‐424I (Application for Federal Assistance ‐‐form required only for individual applicants)

SF‐424A (Budget Information for Non‐Construction programs)

Technical proposal

Budget template and narrative

Performance Monitoring Plan form

Application Organizational Information Sheet (for organization applicants only)

Proof of registration with the Ministry of Justice (for organization applicants only)

When submitting a proposal, applicants are required to include the information from Sections 1–6 below, as applicable:

Section 1—

Required Registrations

Applicants whose proposals receive preliminary approval by the U.S. Embassy must begin registration in SAM.gov. Until that process is complete, applicants will not be issued an award from the U.S. government.

The Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) is one of the data elements mandated by Public Law 109‐282, the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA), for all Federal awards. SAM.gov is the Federal government's primary database for complying with FFATA reporting requirements. OMB designated SAM.gov as the central repository to facilitate applicant and recipient use of a single public website that consolidates data on all federal financial assistance. Under the law, it is mandatory to register in SAM.gov.

Starting April 2022, the UEI will be assigned when an organization registers or renews its registration in SAM.gov at www.SAM.gov. To access SAM.gov an organization is required to have a Login.gov account. Organizations can create an account at https://login.gov/. As a reminder, organizations need to renew its SAM.gov registration annually.

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

p. 235), “Debarment and Suspension.”

Applicants must acquire all required registrations and rights in the United States and the Kyrgyz Republic. All intellectual property considerations and rights must be fully met in the United States and the Kyrgyz Republic. Any sub‐recipient organization must also meet all the U.S. and Kyrgyz Republic requirements described above.

Section 2—Standard Form 424 Family

All submissions must include the SF‐424 Application for Federal Assistance (Attachment 1a) and the SF‐424A Budget Information—Non‐Construction (Attachment 1b). These forms and the instructions for completing them are available at http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms.html under the heading “SF‐424 Family.” NOTE: The SF‐424B is required only for those applicants who have not registered in SAM.gov or recertified their registration in SAM.gov since February 2, 2019 and completed the online representations and certifications. An authorized signature by the applicant must be provided on this form.

Please note:

1. Other items NOT required/requested for submission, but which may be requested if your application is approved for funding include:

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

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

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

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

Section 3—Technical Proposal

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.

Organizational Description and Capacity: 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 as well as experience with and expertise in areas related to those described in the NOFO.

Program Methods, Design, Activities, and Deliverables: A description of how the program is expected to work to solve the stated problem and achieve the goal. Describe the program activities and how they will help achieve the objectives.

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. Include the proportion of their time that 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.

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

Support of Equity and Underserved Communities: A description of how the applicant plans on incorporating principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) and engaging underserved communities in their program’s administration, design, and implementation. For more information, please reference section F. Federal Award Administration Information.

Monitoring & Evaluation for Organization Applicants: Proposals must include a draft Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP). The M&E PMP should show how applicants intend to measure and demonstrate progress towards the project’s objectives and goals. Using the provided PMP template (Attachment 4a), applicants should describe how they intend to monitor and evaluate the activities of their award and collect data that tracks award performance. The PMP should also contain If‐Then statements to illustrate how project activities will lead to intended outcomes. In addition, the applicant must complete a short table outlining their proposed activities and chosen indicators. Please select indicators under your topic of choice from the list of suggested indicators on the Standard Indicator Sheet (Attachment 6).

o The selected applicant(s) will be required to obtain approval on their M&E PMP before an award is signed.

Monitoring & Evaluation for Individual Applicants: Proposals must include a draft Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP). The M&E PMP should show how applicants intend to measure and demonstrate progress towards the project’s objectives and goals. Attachment 4b of this funding opportunity contains a template that may be used to fulfill this requirement. While the grantee is free to create their own template, completing Attachment 4b will ensure a thorough PMP.

Section 4—Budget

A. Budget and Budget Detail: Applicants must submit a detailed budget and budget narrative justification. Applicants are encouraged to utilize the template provided with the Notice of Funding Opportunity (Attachment 6.) Line‐item expenditures should be listed in the greatest possible detail. Personnel salaries should include the level of effort and the rate of pay, which should cover the percentage of time each staff member will dedicate to grant‐based activities. If your organization is charging an indirect cost rate, you must apply it to the modified total budget costs (MTDC), refer to 2 CFR 200.68.

Budgets that are not in the provided format will not be considered. Budgets shall be submitted in U.S. dollars and final grant agreements will be conducted in U.S. dollars.

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

2. Salaries (including income tax and social deductions), equipment, and other administrative expenses are allowable only as they relate to specific project activities.

Salaries or honoraria should be listed according to rate of pay and percentage of time spent on program‐related activities. While salary expenses are permissible for local personnel, payment of honoraria and other expenses for foreign experts will be reviewed on a case‐by‐case basis. The Embassy strongly urges applicants to consider utilizing local and regional experts.

3. Equipment bought with Media Small Grants grant money can only be procured locally.

Any request for computer equipment must include the procurement of original, not pirated, software.

4. Any equipment which is procured through grant funds is loaned to the NGO, a associations working in media‐related areas, or Kyrgyz Republic‐registered independent media organization and remains the property of the U.S. Embassy for a minimum of three years. This is to ensure that equipment will not be used for personal matters and that equipment will be returned to the U.S. Embassy should the NGO cease its activities.

At the end of the project or three years, the Media Small Grants will review the work of the NGO to determine whether: 1) the loan will be extended, 2) the equipment will be given permanently to the NGO, or 3) the equipment will be returned to the U.S.

Embassy.

5. Coffee breaks and working lunches only will be considered on a case‐by‐case basis and should be clearly justified and limited to a maximum of 10% of the total award amount.

This includes expenses associated with individual per diems for grant‐related activities.

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

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

8. Alcohol and entertainment costs are not allowable expenses.

B. Audit Requirements: Please note the audit requirements for Department of State awards in the Standard Terms and Conditions: https://www.state.gov/m/a/ope/index.htm and 2 CFR 200, Subpart F – Audit Requirements. The cost of the required audits may be charged either as an allowable direct cost to the award OR included in the organization’s established indirect costs in the award’s detailed budget.

Section 5—Key Personnel and Project Partners

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

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

C. Permission Letters: Official permission letters should be included, if required for project activities.

Section 6—Organization Information

A. Applicant Organizational Information Sheet: Applicants must complete and submit the Application Organizational Information Sheet provided. An authorized signature by the applicant should be provided on this form.

B. Proof of Registration: A copy of the organization’s or individual’s registration from the Ministry of Justice of the Kyrgyz Republic must be provided with the proposal application.

F. REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS

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

B. Review. All submissions are screened for technical eligibility. If a submission is missing any required forms/documents listed, it will be considered ineligible and will not be reviewed by the grants review committee. A technical review panel will review the proposal based upon the criteria noted in this NOFO.

C. Follow up notification. Applicants will generally be notified within 60 days after the

NOFO deadline regarding the results of the review panel.

G. APPLICATION EVALUATION CRITERIA

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

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

● Capacity and Record on Previous Grants – 15 points:

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

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

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

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

○ Where partners are described, the applicant details each partner’s respective role and provides résumés or CVs for key persons responsible for the project and financial administration. Proposed personnel, institutional resources, and partners are adequate and appropriate.

● Project Planning/Ability to Achieve Objectives – 25 points: The project plan is well developed, with sufficient detail about how activities will be carried out. The proposal specifies target audiences, participant recruitment, and geographic areas of implementation. The proposal outlines clear, achievable objectives. The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline. The project scope is appropriate and clearly defined.

○ A media or amplification plan (if appropriate) that shows how the applicant will use social or traditional media or otherwise increase the number of people who gain exposure to the issue and knowledge of the activities beyond the core participants.

● Budget – 10 points: The budget and narrative justification are sufficiently detailed. The budget demonstrates that the organization has devoted time to accurately determine expenses associated with the project instead of providing rough estimates. Costs are reasonable in relation to the proposed activities and anticipated results. The results and proposed outcomes justify the total cost of the project. Budget items are reasonable, allowable, and allocable.

● Monitoring and Evaluation – 20 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 organization has clearly articulated how it will assess and measure its own performance throughout the project implementation phase using concrete quantitative and qualitative assessment tools. This will include a list of proposed project activities, corresponding milestone, output, and outcome indicators, a description of data collection methods, and a timeline for collecting such information. Expenses directly associated with monitoring and evaluation are considered allowable. The suggested template includes a space to list the portion of the total budget amount directly associated with monitoring and evaluation activities.

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

H. 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 project 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.

The Federal government is not obligated to make any Federal award as a result of the announcement. 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. The U.S. government also reserves the right to make an award in excess of the award ceiling.

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:

o 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), o 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), o 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), o 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 o 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).

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility

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

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

The support of underserved communities will be part of the review criteria for this opportunity.

Therefore, proposals should clearly demonstrate how the program will support and advance equity and engage underserved communities in the program’s administration, design, and implementation phases.

Definitions:

Diversity:

The term “diversity” means the practice of including the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, cultures, and beliefs of a community.

Equity:

The term “equity” means the consistent and systematic fair, just, and impartial treatment of all individuals, including individuals who belong to underserved communities that have been denied such treatment, such as ethnic minorities, and indigenous persons, members of religious minorities; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) persons; persons with disabilities; persons who live in rural areas; and persons otherwise adversely affected by persistent poverty or inequality.

Inclusion:

The term “inclusion” means the recognition, appreciation, and use of the talents and skills of persons of all backgrounds.

Accessibility:

The term “accessibility” means the design, construction, development, and maintenance of facilities, information and communication technology, programs, and services so that all people, including people with disabilities, can fully and independently use them.

Underserved communities:

The term “underserved communities” refers to populations sharing a particular characteristic, as well as geographic communities, that have been systematically denied a full opportunity to participate in aspects of economic, social, and civic life, as exemplified by the list in the preceding definition of “equity.”

Reporting

Recipients are required to submit quarterly program progress and financial reports throughout the project period. Progress and financial reports are due 30 days after the reporting period.

Final certified programmatic and financial reports are due 120 days after the close of the project period.

All reports are to be submitted electronically.

Awardees that are deemed to be high risk may be required to submit more extensive and frequent reports until their high‐risk designation has been removed.

The Awardee must also provide the Embassy on an annual basis an inventory of all U.S.

government‐provided equipment using the SF‐428 form.

I. OTHER INFORMATION

Guidelines for Budget Justification

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

Travel: Estimate the costs of travel and per diem for this project, for both program staff, consultants or speakers, and participants/beneficiaries. If the project 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 project, which has a useful life of more than one year (or a life longer than the duration of the project), 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 project. 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 project activities.

Other Direct Costs: Describe other costs directly associated with the project, 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. Please note that award funds cannot be used for alcoholic beverages.

Indirect Costs: These are costs that cannot be linked directly to the project 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 the 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.

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, whether an exception is applicable.

Copyrights and Proprietary Information

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