Notice of Funding Opportunity - Inclusive Action for Climate Change.docx

SCA NOFO – Inclusive Action for Climate Change

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

BUREAU OF SOUTH AND CENTRAL ASIAN AFFAIRS

Notice of Funding Opportunity

Funding Opportunity Title: Inclusive Action for Climate Change Funding Opportunity Number: SFOP0008905 Deadline for Applications: June 30, 2022 Assistance Listing Number: 19.108 Total Amount Available: $1,480,000

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA) of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out the “Inclusive Action for Climate Change” program to promote gender equity in climate policymaking and programs in selected countries in South Asia. Please follow all instructions below.

Priority Region: The program may take place in the following SCA countries: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.

Program Objectives: Just three percent of worldwide development assistance related to climate focuses on gender equality as a principal objective, according to a study published by the OECD.[footnoteRef:2] This project aims to support women’s inclusion into local, national, and regional climate policy and programs, by building regional networks of women-led organizations in South Asia to address the local effects of climate change in their communities. [2: OECD DAC Network on Gender Equality (Gendernet), “Making Climate Finance Work for Women: Overview of Bilateral ODA to Gender and Climate Change,” October 2016]

The climate crisis and its impact on land use, habitat, and water and food security are among the most pressing human security issues facing the SCA region. While the specific impacts vary among countries, the climate crisis is a potential driver of conflict within and between communities. Women are disproportionately affected by climate impacts and are a key target audience for mitigation efforts, but continue to be underutilized and overlooked in decision-making on emergency preparedness and climate change mitigation and adaptation. Building networks of women-led organizations can help support regional solutions, fostering citizen engagement, and inclusive solutions.

This project supports the National Strategy on Gender Equity and Equality priority to promote gender equity and the leadership of women and girls in addressing the challenges of climate change.[footnoteRef:3] This project also relies upon the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Strategy and its goals of proactively integrating the needs and perspectives of women, and empowering women to contribute their talents and energies to international peace, security, and prosperity to address the twin themes of gender equality and climate change adaptation.[footnoteRef:4] The project will strengthen the capacity of women-led organizations in selected countries in South Asia (see “Priority Region,” above) to participate meaningfully in political discussions regarding national and local policies on climate change adaptation; advance the role of women in community-led conflict resolution arising from the climate crisis and its effects; and assist women-led organizations to advocate for and achieve gender equity and equality in climate change adaptation efforts, including in emergency preparedness and recovery from climate-related disasters. WPS is a natural framework to adopt for addressing human security threats from climate change, by advancing inclusive solutions that ensure the meaningful participation of diverse groups of women in governance and decision-making as a direct entry to increased community resilience and adaption. Supporting regional networks will develop collaborative work practices, skills in community organizing, governmental advocacy, and community outreach on our shared climate crisis burdens. [3: https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/National-Strategy-on-Gender-Equity-and-Equality.pdf ] [4: https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/WPS_Strategy_10_October2019.pdf]

Project activities may include, but are not limited to, innovative approaches to technical assistance, training, and capacity-building for women-led and women-focused CSOs centered on WPS that want to expand their work to include climate change action and advocacy; technical assistance for women-led CSOs focused on climate change, climate mitigation and adaptation, and climate policy; building and/or supporting regional networks for CSOs addressing climate and human security; creating or supporting fora for information-sharing among these organizations; and advocacy and action plans for emergency preparedness, with a focus on gendered needs within local communities. Applicants may propose to work directly with beneficiary CSOs, or in partnership with national organizations in some or all of the countries.

Program funds may be budgeted for all expenses related to these activities, including travel expenses for beneficiaries participating in workshops, seminars, brief internships or fellowships, or related opportunities, where appropriate. This project is not intended to provide sub-grants to beneficiary organizations. However, the implementer may propose innovative funding solutions using grant funds to support demonstration projects led by selected beneficiary organizations. Such projects should have a strong regional component. In addition, the implementer may assist in connecting beneficiary CSOs with other potential funders and supporters.

Participants and Audiences:

The principal participants and target audiences for this project are the leaders, staff, and boards of directors (or similar) of women-led and women-focused CSOs in the target countries. Applicants’ proposals should show evidence of working with these organizations and/or working with national organizations to identify and recruit these CSOs for participation in the project. Additional participants/audiences may include national and local government officials, civil preparedness staff, academics, and journalists. Applicants should indicate how including these additional audiences will support the project’s principal goal of strengthening civil society and women’s voices in climate policy and programs.

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Length of performance period: 18 to 36 months Number of awards anticipated: One award Award amounts: Awards may range to a maximum of $1,480,000 Total available funding: $1,480,000 Type of Funding: FY21/22 Economic Support Funds under the Foreign Assistance Act Anticipated program start date: September 30, 2022

This notice is subject to availability of funding.

Note: Due to Congressional restrictions, no funds may be used to support the central government of Sri Lanka. If you have questions about whether this limitation applies, please consult the point of contact noted in section G, below.

Funding Instrument Type: Grant.

Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 36 months or less.

C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION

1. Eligible Applicants

The following organizations are eligible to apply:

· U.S. and foreign Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations

· U.S. and foreign Public and private educational institutions

2. Cost Sharing or Matching: Not required.

3. Other Eligibility Requirements

In order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). The UEI will be generated when the organization registers in SAM.gov. Please see Section D.3 for information on how register in SAM.gov. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov.

NOTE: As of April 2022, a DUNS number is no longer required to apply for a federal assistance award.

Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization. If more than one proposal is submitted from an organization, all proposals from that institution will be considered ineligible for funding.

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

1. Address to Request Application Package

Application forms required below are available at www.grants.gov and SAMS Domestic

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;

· All budgets are in U.S. dollars;

· All pages are numbered;

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

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

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) (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 (20 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.

· Gender Analysis: Concise (no more than two pages per country) gender analysis of conditions that contribute to the design of the program.

· Program Goals and Objectives: The “goals” describe what the program is intended to achieve. The objectives indicate achievable and measurable accomplishments that the project will attain.

· 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.

· Program Activities: Describe the program activities and how they will help achieve the program goals and objectives.

· 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, including any national-level organizations with which the applicant will work in a given country.

· 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.

4. Budget Justification Narrative: After filling out the SF-424A Budget (above), use a separate sheet of paper 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.

· Risk Assessment: Provide an assessment of known and potential risks to the success of the project or affecting the applicant’s ability to carry out the project, including harm to the reputation or security of the applicant, its partners or sub-awardees, or its beneficiaries, and steps that will be taken to mitigate or counter the risks (maximum 3 pages).

· Organizations-wide Policies Preventing Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA): SCA has zero tolerance for inaction regarding allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) occurring in relation to a federal award, and advocates for a survivor-centered approach to addressing such misconduct. Please submit copies of any organization-wide policies and procedures on Preventing Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA)[footnoteRef:5] or explain how the Applicant organization plans to develop such policies. If not already explained in its policies and procedures, the Applicant must outline in its proposal how it will work with any sub-grantees or beneficiary organizations who do not yet have PSEA policies and procedures to develop and apply them over the course of the program. [5: Sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) occurs when people in power exploit or abuse vulnerable populations for sexual purposes. According to the U.N. Secretary-General’s Bulletin on Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, sexual exploitation refers to “any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another.” Sexual abuse refers to “actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions.”]

· (Optional) Security Plan: Describe the applicant’s contingency planning for anticipating, preventing, and responding to security threats and challenges arising from the country context and/or sensitivities of the program that may affect the implementer, its partners, beneficiary organizations and their staffs and members, and other audiences.

· 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.

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

Required Registrations:

Any applicant listed on the Excluded Parties List System (EPLS) 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.” Additionally, no entity listed on the EPLS can participate in any activities under an award. All applicants are strongly encouraged to review the EPLS in SAM to ensure that no ineligible entity is included.

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

· www.SAM.gov registration (which will generate a UEI)

· NCAGE/CAGE code

Step 1: Foreign organizations should first apply for an NCAGE code. U.S.-based organizations should proceed to Step 2.

NCAGE application: Application page here: https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/scage/CageList.aspx Instructions for the NCAGE application process:

https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/Docs/US%20Instructions%20for%20NSPA%20NCAGE.pdf

For NCAGE help from within the U.S., call 1-888-227-2423 For NCAGE help from outside the U.S., call 1-269-961-7766 Email NCAGE@dlis.dla.mil for any problems in getting an NCAGE code.

Step 2: Register in SAM.gov by logging onto: https://www.sam.gov. When the registration is complete the organization will be issued a SAM.gov-generated UEI. SAM registration must be renewed annually.

For U.S.-based organizations, registration in SAM.gov will generate both a UEI and a CAGE code.

NOTE: As of April 2022, a DUNS number is no longer required.

4. Submission Dates and Times

Applications are due no later than June 30, 2022 at 23:59 (11:59 pm).

5. Funding Restrictions

No funding under this award may be used to support the Central Government of Sri Lanka.

Activities that are not typically allowed include, but are not limited to:

· The provision of humanitarian assistance;

· English language instruction;

· Development of high-tech computer or communications software and/or hardware;

· Purely academic exchanges or fellowships;

· External exchanges or fellowships lasting longer than six months;

· Off-shore activities that are not clearly linked to in-country initiatives and impact or are not necessary per security concerns;

· Activities aimed primarily at research and evaluation that do not incorporate training or capacity-building for local civil society;

· Micro-loans or similar small business development initiatives;

· Initiatives directed towards a diaspora community rather than current residents of targeted countries.

6. Other Submission Requirements

All application materials must be submitted electronically through www.Grants.gov or SAMS Domestic.

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. The proposal demonstrates an understanding of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda and how it can be applied to climate issues and policy. The program clearly demonstrates a regional focus, including building or strengthening linkages among CSOs in the countries in which the program would operate.

Organizational Capacity and Record on Previous Grants – 15 points: The organization has expertise in its stated field and has the internal controls in place to manage federal funds. This includes a financial management system and a bank account.

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

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

Monitoring and Evaluation plan – 15 points: Applicant demonstrates its ability 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 – 15 points: Proposals should clearly demonstrate how the program will support and advance equity and engage underserved communities in program administration, design, and implementation. Proposal should demonstrate integration of appropriate safeguarding for the Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA), do no harm principles, and risk mitigation efforts throughout the proposed work with underserved communities. In particular, proposals should clearly explain how the program will interact with women-led organizations in both urban and rural settings, as appropriate, and with organizations representing minority or marginalized communities.

2. Review and Selection Process

A review committee will evaluate all eligible applications.

3. Federal Awardee Performance & Integrity Information System (FAPIIS)

For any Federal award under a notice of funding opportunity, if the Federal awarding agency anticipates that the total Federal share will be greater than the simplified acquisition threshold on any Federal award under a notice of funding opportunity may include, over the period of performance (see §200.88 Simplified Acquisition Threshold), this section must also inform applicants:

i. That 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 designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM (currently FAPIIS) (see 41 U.S.C. 2313);

ii. That an applicant, at its option, may review information in the designated integrity and performance systems accessible through SAM and comment on any information about itself that a Federal awarding agency previously entered and is currently in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM;

iii. That 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: Payments will be administered through the Payment Management System (pms.psc.gov).

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

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

These include:

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

· 2 CFR 170 - REPORTING SUBAWARD AND EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION INFORMATION

· 2 CFR 175 - AWARD TERM FOR TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS

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

· 2 CFR 183 - NEVER CONTRACT WITH THE ENEMY

· 2 CFR 600 – DEPARTMENT OF STATE REQUIREMENTS

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

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

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

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

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

· Promoting the freedom of speech and religious liberty in alignment with Promoting Free Speech and Religious Liberty (E.O. 13798) and Improving Free Inquiry, Transparency, and Accountability at Colleges and Universities (E.O. 13864) (§§ 200.300, 200.303, 200.339, and 200.341),

· Providing a preference, to the extent permitted by law, to maximize use of goods, products, and materials produced in the United States (2 CFR part 200.322), and

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

In accordance with the Executive Order on Advancing Racial Equity and Underserved Communities, proposals should demonstrate how the program advances equity with respect to race, ethnicity, religion, income, geography, gender identity, sexual orientation, and disability. The proposal should also demonstrate how the program will further engagement in underserved communities and with individuals from underserved communities. Proposals should demonstrate how addressing racial equity and 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 program administration, design, and implementation.

3. Reporting

Reporting Requirements: Recipients will be required to submit financial reports and program reports. The award document will specify how often these reports must be submitted. Recipients may anticipate a need for quarterly performance and financial reports and monthly check-in calls with the SCA program office.

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

Foreign Assistance Data Review: As required by Congress, the Department of State must make progress in its efforts to improve tracking and reporting of foreign assistance data through the Foreign Assistance Data Review (FADR). The FADR requires tracking of foreign assistance activity data from budgeting, planning, and allocation through obligation and disbursement. Successful applicants will be required to report and draw down federal funding based on the appropriate FADR Data Elements, indicated within their award documentation. 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.

G. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS

If you have any questions about the grant application process, please contact: SchumanDJ2@state.gov

A Bidding Conference will be held via Microsoft Teams video conference on June 2, 2022, to answer questions from all potential applicants. Please contact SchumanDJ2@state.gov for an invitation to this conference.

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 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.

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