Notice of Funding Opportunity - Logistics Meeting Coordination (Updated).docx

United States Department of State Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO): Logistics, Meeting Coordination, and Digital Communications Support for Environmental Cooperation Funding Opportunity Number: DFOP0017018

Assistance Listing Number: 19.017 Solicitation Type: Open Competition Type of Award: Cooperative Agreement Application Deadline: 11:59 PM EST on 15, December 2024 Total Funding Ceiling: $133,503.66 Cost Sharing: Not Required Anticipated Number of Awards: One Period of Performance: 12 months Question Submission Deadline: 11:59 PM EST on 12, December 2024 Eligibility Applicants: U.S.-based non-profit/non-governmental organizations with 501(c) (3) status of the U.S. tax code; foreign-based non-profit organizations/non-government organizations (NGO); U.S.-based private, public, or state institutions of higher education; and public international organizations.

Table of Contents

Section A: Funding Opportunity Description A.1. Background The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (OES) announces an open competition for an organization (see eligibility information in C.1) interested in submitting an application to implement a project aimed at providing logistical support, meeting coordination, and digital communications support for environmental cooperation under U.S. Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).

The United States has entered into FTAs with 20 countries. Most of these FTAs include Environment Chapters to ensure each party has strong environmental governance systems. In association with many FTAs, the United States has established Environmental Cooperation Mechanisms (ECMs) that provide a framework for collaboration on environmental activities to facilitate technical and knowledge exchanges on best practices in environmental protection. The ECMs were negotiated in parallel with the Environment Chapters and recognize the importance of protecting the environment while promoting sustainable development and expanding bilateral trade and investment ties. For more information on the FTA Environment Chapters and ECMs, please refer to the following website: https://www.state.gov/key-topics-office-of-environmental-quality-and-transboundary-issues/current-trade-agreements-with-environmental-chapters/ To oversee implementation of activities and review progress under the Environment Chapters, the Parties establish an Environmental Affairs Council (EAC) and in many cases an Environmental Cooperation Commission (ECC) (or similar institution) comprised of cabinet-level or equivalent representatives of the Parties, or the designees. These institutions meet regularly according to the terms of the Chapter or ECM.

Support for environmental cooperation under the FTAs aligns with the 2023 OES Functional Bureau Strategy Objective 1.3: Strengthen global partnerships, improve research integrity, increase standards, and create new economic opportunities, especially for the American middle class, across OES engagements.

A.2. Problem Statement OES seeks necessary capabilities to facilitate communication and information exchange, and dissemination related to Environmental Cooperation Programs (ECP) established within the frameworks of U.S. FTAs. This project will enable effective and efficient meeting and logistics coordination for in-person and virtual engagements, as to allow OES to focus their efforts on trade-related environmental cooperation activities. FTA countries supported by this agreement include Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Jordan, Mexico, Morocco, Nicaragua, Oman, Panama, and Peru. This project will also enable effective support for the CAFTA-DR ECP website and social media, as needed.

A.3. Project Goal The goal of this program is to facilitate communication and information exchanges in English, Spanish, French, and/or Arabic on FTA-related environmental cooperation through meetings (in-person and virtual engagements), web-based communications, and digital media. This goal will be accomplished by the Recipient working closely with OES to (1) coordinate logistics including travel, lodging, translation, and other requirements for Environmental Affairs Council (EAC), Environmental Cooperation Commission (ECC), and related meetings and events, and (2) coordinating for the management of the Dominican Republic–Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) Environment Cooperation Program website and lending social media communication support, as needed.

A.4. Objectives This program facilitates and supports FTA-related environmental cooperation meetings and activities by managing logistical needs for their preparation, coordination, and implementation, as directed by OES staff. Support for these meetings and events will provide the capacity for OES to uphold USG obligations under FTA environment chapters and their respective ECMs.

A.5. Expected Outcomes Specific results will depend on the strategy identified by the applicant, but could include the following:

Logistics, Meeting Coordination, and Digital Communications Effective and efficient logistics coordination including lodging, transportation, translation/interpretation, audio visual and other equipment, among other meeting requirements; and positive feedback from government and non-governmental organization representatives participating in EAC, ECC, and other meetings.

This also includes coordination support for the management of the CAFTA-DR ECP website and lending social media communication support, as needed.

A.6. Performance Indicators The Recipient should monitor and report on performance indicators that are specific, measurable, achievable, reasonable, and time bound. Establish, where possible, performance baseline data and expected performance targets for each expected result and include details on what sources of data will be used to document performance, how the indicators will be measured, frequency of measurement, and units of measure.

Potential indicators for this project could include:

· Number of people participating in USG supported meetings/events/study tours;

· Number of women benefiting from USG supported meetings/events/study tours;

· Number of days of USG supported assistance for participants;

· Number of hotel venues contacted for requests for proposals (RFPs);

· Number of hotels that submitted RFPs;

· Number of interpretation companies contacted for RFPs;

· Number of interpretation companies that submitted RFPs;

· Number of people receiving USG funds designated for international or domestic travel to participate in meetings and/or technical trainings;

· Number of tickets and/or travel documentation submitted five days prior to travel date;

· Expense variance for international and travel expenses;

· Number of people receiving USG funds designated for lodging, ground transportation, and per diem expenses;

· Expense variance for lodging expenses;

· Number of ground transportation companies contacted for RFPs;

· Number of ground transportation companies that submitted RFPs;

· Expense variance for ground transportation companies;

· Number of detailed cost accounting summaries after each meeting with exact costs of each meeting logistics category, including personnel hours worked and the charges for hours worked, and a PDF of all receipts for meeting costs;

· Number of materials prepared for meetings;

· Number of edits/updates made to the CAFTA-DR ECP website;

· Number of unique views to the CAFTA-DR ECP website;

· Number of posts/reposts made on Facebook;

· Number of likes, visits, followers, mentions, and impressions to the CAFTA-DR ECP Facebook account;

· Number of posts/reposts made on X;

· Number of likes, visits, followers, mentions, and reposts of the CAFTA-DR ECP X account; and

· Number of views and new subscribers to the CAFTA-DR ECP YouTube account.

A.7. Key Considerations To achieve the goals and expected results, the proposal shall include activities such as but not limited to the following:

Logistics, Meeting Coordination, and Digital Communications Support OES anticipates funding approximately three to six EAC, ECC, and other related meetings, including in-person technical exchanges, during the period of performance for a range of 10 to 40 people. Three of these meetings will require extensive logistical planning. Logistics costs for each EAC and ECC meeting typically range from $25,000 to $45,000, and each meeting lasts approximately three to five days. EAC and ECC meetings convene government representatives, from the United States and other countries, as well as interagency and NGO project implementers, to discuss implementation of the Environmental Chapter under specific FTAs, as well as progress on Environmental Cooperation Programs. In-person meetings can take place in the United States as well as other FTA countries and require transportation planning, space and hotel bookings, interpretation, and conference call-lines, among other needs. In-person technical exchanges will involve bringing government officials from other countries to the United States to learn about technical aspects of an environmental issue, and may include visits to offices, technical facilities or field sites. These may be more expensive than EAC and ECC meetings depending on the number of participants, location, and duration of the event. Other virtual meetings that require minimal logistical support average $300 to $2,000 in logistical costs. These can include virtual technical exchanges or meetings between government officials of FTA partner countries.

The resources from this agreement will fund all of the logistics and labor costs of the following activities.

The Recipient will accomplish the following activities in coordination with OES:

· Logistics and Meeting Coordination: The Recipient shall begin planning and making meeting arrangements, following instructions from the OES technical officer. The Recipient will organize and execute three to six EAC, ECC, and other related meetings and activities. The Recipient will procure venues to hold the meetings (i.e., hotel with conference facilities). The Recipient will arrange audio/visual equipment for use during the meetings. The Recipient will arrange simultaneous interpretation during the meetings and other translation services. The Recipient will provide document translation services for EAC, ECC, and other related meetings on an as-needed basis and maintain a list of translators with the cost per word rates for each translator to ensure that translation services are available on an expedited and short turnaround time basis. The Recipient will also organize and execute virtual meetings, providing access to a platform, call-in numbers, access for simultaneous interpretation (English, Spanish, French, and/or Arabic), among other needs.

· International and Domestic Travel Arrangements: The Recipient shall begin planning and making travel arrangements, following instructions from the OES technical officer. The Recipient will reserve, purchase, and distribute airline tickets for travel as necessary for meetings under Environment Cooperation Programs, making arrangements for Points of Contact (POCs) (excluding the U.S. POCs) and others as appropriate. The Recipient will coordinate with international stakeholders and can expect to conduct business in English and in Spanish (French and/or Arabic may be occasionally required as well). The Recipient will purchase the tickets at reasonable and cost-effective prices and will be required to compare government and market rates when making the arrangements. The Recipient shall follow the "Fly America Act”, as applicable in booking international flights and shall provide the tickets and/or other travel documents (travel itineraries and meeting schedules) to the POCs and other travelers no later than five days prior to the start of travel. The Recipient must seek prior approval from OES to make air transportation changes as needed.

· Lodging, Ground Transportation, and Per Diem: The Recipient shall arrange hotel accommodation, meals, local ground transportation, and incidentals as needed for FTA partner POCs (excluding the U.S. POCs) and others as needed. With prior approval from OES, the Recipient is authorized to make hotel and local ground transportation changes as the need arises. The Recipient shall provide per diem to the POCs and others, using allowable DOS per diem rates, which may be distributed in advance.

· Meeting Costs and Support: The Recipient will provide a detailed meetings logistics price estimate to OES before each EAC, ECC, and other related meetings, including an accurate breakdown of costs per meeting logistics coordination area. The Recipient will provide a detailed cost accounting summary after each EAC, ECC, and other related meeting with exact costs of each meeting logistics category, including personnel hours worked and the charges for hours worked, and a PDF of all receipts for meeting costs. The Recipient will assist with preparation of materials for the meetings, prepare name tags and other documents as needed for meeting participants, and compile lists of meeting participants with complete contact information. The Recipient will provide other logistical support as needed.

· Digital Communications: The Recipient will coordinate services for hosting and facilitating content management of an existing interactive bilingual (English and Spanish) website for the CAFTA-DR ECP and lend social media communications support (for existing accounts on Facebook and X) as appropriate, including facilitating posting of media. If the hosting of the website is through a third party, the recipient shall seek prior approval from OES for costs and estimated expenses.

A.8. Substantial Involvement It is anticipated the Department of State will be substantially involved in the following areas at a minimum:

· Review and approve the Recipient(s)’s implementation plan to achieve the expected results under this agreement;

· Review and approve any sub-awards;

· Coordinate on other initiatives, such as preparatory event planning trips, as needed;

· Assist with the design of monitoring and evaluation tools and products to meet the standards under this agreement;

· Assist with the promotion of environmental cooperation activities;

· Participate in core activities and events with partners and relevant stakeholders;

· Review and approve meeting costs, including reviewing hours worked, billing of hours worked and reviewing meeting logistics receipts;

· Review and approve all content added and overall design of the CAFTA-DR ECP website;

· Review and approve outreach strategy for digital media; and

· Review and approve hours worked and billed against managing and maintaining the CAFTA-DR ECP website and digital media outreach.

Section B: Federal Award Information B.1. Available Funding This notice is subject to availability of funding. The authority for this funding opportunity is found in the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended (FAA).

Applicants can submit one application in response to the NOFO. If more than one application is submitted by an organization, only the first application received, and time stamped by either grants.gov or SAMS/MyGrants will be reviewed for eligibility.

Organizations may form a consortium and submit a combined proposal. However, only one organization must be designated as the lead applicant, with the remaining organizations designated as sub-awardees. The lead applicant must meet the eligibility criteria listed in Section C.

The Department of State reserves the right to (a) fund any or none of the applications received; (b) reduce, revise, or increase the budget in accordance with bureau proprieties and the availability of funds; (c) accept other than the lowest cost application.

The U.S. government may make award(s) on the basis of initial applications received, without discussions or negotiations. Therefore, each initial application should contain the applicant's best terms from a cost and technical standpoint. The U.S. government reserves the right (though it is under no obligation to do so) to enter into discussions with one or more applicants in order to obtain clarifications, additional detail, or to suggest refinements in the project description, budget, or other aspects of an application.

B.2. Award Management The successful applicant will need to routinely collaborate with OES through regular meetings and conference calls to discuss progress, challenges, emerging topics, etc. The successful applicant must ensure that all funds are used in a manner consistent with any applicable restrictions on funding. See D.5 below for funding restrictions.

Section C. Eligibility Information C.1 Eligible Applicants OES welcomes applications from U.S.-based non-profit/non-governmental organizations with 501(c) (3) status of the U.S. tax code; foreign-based non-profit organizations/non-government organizations (NGO); U.S.-based private, public, or state institutions of higher education; and public international organizations.

Please see 2 CFR 200.307 for regulations regarding program income.

C.2. Cost-Sharing or Matching The non-Federal share of costs, frequently called “cost share” or “matching costs”, refers to that portion of the project or program costs not borne by the Federal Government. This may include cash and third-party in-kind contributions. These costs must reflect the realistic capacity of the applicants and any third-party contributors.

Providing cost sharing, matching, or cost participation is not an eligibility factor or requirement for this NOFO and providing cost share will not result in a more favorable competitive ranking. Per 2 CFR §200.306, items that are proposed for cost share must be allowable per 2 CFR §200, Subpart E—Costs Principles.

Voluntary cost-share: Should the applicant choose to contribute voluntary cost-share but does not meet the minimum amount of the voluntary cost-sharing stipulated in the applicant’s budget, DOS’ contribution may be reduced in proportion to the applicant’s contribution.

C.3. Other Eligibility Criteria Applicants must have existing, or the capacity to develop, active partnerships or relationships with relevant stakeholders to perform the outlined duties and have demonstrable experience in administering successful and preferably similar projects.

Any applicant with an exclusion in the Exclusions section of the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) and/or has a current debt to the U.S. government 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 or person listed in the Exclusions section of SAM.gov can participate in any activities under an award. All applicants are strongly encouraged to review the Exclusions section in Sam.gov to ensure that no ineligible entity or person is included in their application.

Section D: Application and Submission Information D.1. Address to request Application Package Applicants can find application forms, kits, or other materials needed to apply on grants.gov and SAMS/MyGrants under the announcement title “Logistics, Meeting Coordination, and Digital Communications Support for Environmental Cooperation,” funding opportunity number DFOP0017018. Please contact the OES point of contact listed in Section G if requesting reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities or for security reasons. Please note that reasonable accommodations do not include deadline extensions.

D.2. Content and Form of Application Submission To ensure that all applications receive a balanced evaluation, the review panel will review from the first page of each section up to the page limit and no further. For all application documents, please ensure:

· All documents are in English, and all costs are in U.S. dollars. If an original document within the application is in another language, an English translation must be provided (please note the Department of State, as indicated in 2 CFR 200.111, requires that English is the official language of all award documents). If any document is provided in both English and a foreign language, the English language version is the controlling version;

· All pages are numbered, including budgets and attachments;

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

· All documents are single-spaced, 12-point Calibri font, with 1-inch margins. Captions and footnotes may be 10-point Calibri font. Font sizes in charts and tables, including the budget, can be reformatted to fit within 1 page width.

Complete applications must include the following, where applicable:

1) Completed and signed SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B forms. (OPTIONAL but strongly encouraged for FPEs/PIOs).

2) Organizations that engage in lobbying the U.S. government, including Congress, or pay for another entity to lobby on their behalf, are also required to complete the SF-LLL “Disclosure of Lobbying Activities” form (only if applicable).

3) Cover Page/Executive Summary (not to exceed one (1) page, preferably as a Word document) that includes a table with the organization name, project title, target country/countries, name and contact information for the application’s main point of contact, and brief section that clearly outlines the (1) the problem statement addressed by the project (2) research-based evidence justifying the applicant’s approach, and (3) quantifiable project outcomes.

4) Proposal Narrative (not to exceed fifteen (15) pages, preferably as a Word document). Please note the fifteen-page limit does not include the Cover Page/Executive Summary, Detailed Budget, Budget Narrative, Key Personnel, Timeline or Attachments. Applicants are encouraged to combine multiple documents into a single Word document or PDF (i.e. Cover Page/Executive Summary, and Proposal Narrative into one file). The Narrative must include the following:

· Introduction to the Organization: A description of past and present operations, showing ability to carry out the project, including information on relevant or similar type projects from 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.

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

· Program Goal: The goal describes the broader, long-range outcome or concept intended. Goals do not include timelines or methods for achievement. Rather, goals are general statements of a desired result. Programs generally have one goal that is only one sentence.

· Program Objective(s): Objectives unlike goals, are brief, clear statements that describe what will be done within a specific timeframe to help achieve or advance a goal. Objectives are applicant focused, and should be SMART:

· Specific: Detailed and specifies what will be achieved

· Measurable: Have associated metrics or measurements of success

· Attainable: Appropriately challenging, objectives can be reasonably attained given the available resources

· Relevant: Align with the policy/program goal and appropriate within the country or beneficiary audience

· Time-Bound: Achievable within the timeframe of the program

· Program Activities: Describe how the activities or actions under objective(s) will be carried out. Should be clearly developed and sufficiently explain the resources and time requirements identified (inputs) and things done or produced (outputs). Where appropriate, identify target areas, or where actions are happening, participant groups or selection criteria for participants; how relevant stakeholders will be engaged; actions taken by consultants, sub-recipients or vendors as appropriate/relevant. Demonstrate how the activity will support and advance equity and engage underserved communities in program administration, design, and implementation.

· Outcomes: The results or effects of the objective(s). What are the detailed, measurable statements that outline the end results? Outcomes are target-audience focused. What will the benefitting individuals, countries or audiences have learned, accomplished or be able to do after the project has been completed? Collectively, outcomes advance or further the program goal.

· Risk Analysis: Identify the internal and external risks associated with the proposed project, rate the likelihood of the risks, rate the potential impact of the risks on the project, and identify actions that could help mitigate the risks.

· Future Funding or Sustainability: Applicants’ plan for continuing the program beyond the grant period, or the availability of other resources, if applicable. Include ways program activities will ensure sustainability.

5) Budget Documents: This is a two (2) component submission requirement.

· (1) Detailed Line-Item Budget: Entities and organizations not recognized as FPEs or PIOs are required to submit detailed budget information according to the OMB cost categories (see SF-424A as an example). Budget expenses should be submitted preferably as one Excel workbook and include three (3) columns describing the request to OES, any required or voluntary cost sharing, and the total budget. Costs must be in whole U.S. dollars. The attached “Budget Guidance Template for Multi-Year Awards (FY24)” is the preferred format for submission. Detailed line-item budgets for sub-grantees should be included as additional tabs within the Excel workbook (if available at the time of submission). Note: Applicants are welcome to delete columns associated with multiple years if submitting a proposal that will only extend to one year. Alternatively, applicants are welcome to add columns for additional years.

· (2) Budget Narrative: Entities and organizations not recognized as FPEs or PIOs are required to submit narrative information, preferably as a Word document, that explain the methodology considerations for each specific line identified in the Excel document. The budget narrative should support the activities described in the proposal and provide additional information that might not be readily apparent in the detailed line-item budget. Do not simply repeat what is represented numerically in the budget, i.e. salaries are for salaries or travel is for travel. If the detailed budget includes sub-awards, please include a separate budget narrative for each sub-award budget. Provide details on the purpose of costs, reasonability of costs, cost price analysis, allocation methodology, explain any yearly variances in unit prices, and tie expenses to program activities and/or objectives where appropriate. Information should describe prices used when costs have been averaged for the purposes of the calculation; when or if there is a reduction in a typical cost due to leveraging other resources; when costs are inflated due to specific considerations; or when untypical costs are included due to special circumstances. Provide information on considerations such as translations, multi-media approaches as also described in the proposal narrative, procurement by local vendors or the need to import due to unavailability, specific needs of different audiences, costs related to country limitations, etc.

· Budget Documents for Foreign Public Entities/Public International Organizations: Entities and organizations recognized as FPEs or PIOs are not required to submit detailed budget information according to the OMB cost categories. (1) A detailed budget, preferably as an excel document broken down by activity, may be provided instead. Costs must be in U.S. dollars. (2) A budget narrative, preferably as an Excel workbook, an activity based detailed budget with information identifying lines associated with labor (inclusive of contractual or consultancy staff), participant support costs, travel, and other activity related expenses as appropriate for each activity identified. While 2 CFR 200, Subpart E—Costs Principles does not apply to FPEs and PIOs, it should be used as a guide to assist in determining reasonableness. Budget narrative information, preferably as a Word document, should explain the methodology considerations for each activity and other cost considerations or special circumstances that are helpful in determining reasonableness.

6) Program Monitoring and Evaluation Narrative and Plan/Tracker: This is a two (2) component submission requirement.

· (1) Monitoring and Evaluation Narrative: Preferably a one-page Word document, the narrative outlines how a project’s M&E system will be carried out and by whom. It details how you will track your project’s performance toward its objectives over time and provides a clear description of the approach and data collection strategies and tools to be employed (e.g., pre- and post-test surveys, interviews, focus groups). The description should include how the applicant will track and document whether activities occurred (outputs) and the results or changes caused by these activities (outcomes). If the project includes work with local partners or sub-partners, explain how M&E efforts will be coordinated amongst these organizations. Explain if an external evaluation will be included. Evaluations, internal or external, should be systematic studies that use research methods to address specific questions about project performance. They should provide a valuable supplement to ongoing monitoring activities. Evaluation activities generally include baseline assessments, mid-term, and final evaluations.

· (2) Monitoring and Evaluation Plan/Tracker: Preferably as an Excel workbook, the tracker contains the M&E plan that should draw on the objectives, activities and expected changes from the logic model, and link those areas to indicators. The M&E plan is generally structured as a table with output- and outcome-based indicators. It explains how data will be collected (data collection methods) to show that certain changes occurred. It outlines baselines (where your project is starting) and quarterly targets (what you would like to achieve) for each indicator. Please see “Sample Monitoring Indicator Tracker” included as an attachment to the NOFO.

Note: If recommended for funding, the panel and/or bureau may negotiate the inclusion of additional Department of State Foreign Assistance indicators. These indicators assist the Bureau in tying projects to larger Bureau program objectives for the Department’s Managing for Results framework. More information on this policy framework and access to the foreign assistance master indicator list is on the Foreign Assistance Resource Library. After award issuance, the M&E plan will accompany performance reports to document progress on indicators.

7) Key Personnel (not to exceed two (2) pages, preferably as a Word document): Represents staff within your organization or outside of your organization (subgrantee, consultants, contractors), carrying out administrative and/or technical responsibilities, who are integral to the success of the program. Includes short bios that highlight relevant professional experience. Provides names, titles, roles and experience/qualifications of key personnel involved in the program. Given the limited space, inserting CVs are not recommended but may be submitted in as an attachment. Generally limited to 3-5 individuals.

8) Timeline (not to exceed one (1) page, preferably as a Word document or Excel sheet): The timeline of the overall proposal should include activities, evaluation efforts, and program closeout. Sufficient time should be included to conduct and finalize internal/external evaluations and allow any sub-recipients time for final reporting, as applicable. Please see “Sample Timeline” included as an attachment to the NOFO.

9) Racial Equity and Underserved Communities Analysis:

In accordance with the Executive Order on Advancing Racial Equity and Underserved Communities, proposals must demonstrate how the program advances equity with respect to race, ethnicity, religion, income, geography, gender identity, sexual orientation, and disability. The proposal must 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 programs’ 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.

A Racial Equity and Underserved Community analysis, (not to exceed two (2) pages, preferably as a Word document) helps consider the different ways in which activities might impact and be impacted by the community, country, and region where activities take place. Programs should seek strategies for integration and inclusion of individuals/ organizations/ beneficiaries that can bring perspectives based on their religion, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, sex characteristics, national origin, age, genetic information, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, political affiliation, or veteran’s status. Below is an illustrative list of questions to help with the gender and inclusion analysis. Recipients are NOT REQUIRED to respond to every question or duplicate this chart in their proposal. Findings from the applicants’ analysis should be accounted for at the design phase and integrated throughout proposal documents, as appropriate.

People with whom you want to work?

What do local equality groups think about the work?

Have they flagged any potential concerns or unintended consequences? Who would benefit from or be burdened by your proposal? Is anyone better off?

10) Attachments (if applicable):

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

· Official permission letters, if required for project activities

· CVs or resumes D.3. Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and System for Award Management (sam.gov) 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. The federal government's primary database for complying with FFATA reporting requirements is www.sam.gov . OMB designated www.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 obtain a UEI number and register in sam.gov before submitting an application. OES may not review applications from or make awards to applicants that have not completed all applicable UEI and SAM.gov requirements.

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 the award is processed and/or directed to a sub-grantee.

Note: The process of obtaining a SAM.gov registration may take anywhere from 4-8 weeks. Please begin your registration as early as possible. Numerous errors require correction, such as an address mismatch, and can delay final registration. If the application is not corrected within 90 calendar days of original registration/or renewal submission, it will be automatically deleted and the organization will need to re-start the process.

· 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). Also, a Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code and UEI number is required and issued through SAM.gov. Once received, continue with the remainder of the SAM.gov registration.

· 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 2023 respectively, newly registering 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 CAGE (NCAGE).

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

· NCAGE/CAGE code (if applicable)

· www.SAM.gov UEI and registration

If you are an organization based outside the United States and DO NOT plan to do business with the Department of Defense:

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

If you are an organization based outside the United States and plan to do business with the Department of Defense:

Step 1: Apply for an NCAGE number NCAGE Homepage:

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

https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/Codification/CageTool/home 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: After receiving the NCAGE/CAGE Code, proceed to SAM.gov to obtain a UEI an complete registration.

All prime organizations must also continue to maintain active SAM.gov registration with current information at all times during which they have an active federal award or application under consideration by a federal award agency. SAM.gov requires all entities to renew their registration once a year in order to maintain an active registration status in SAM.gov. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure it has an active registration in SAM.gov and to maintain that active registration. If an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements at the time of application, the applicant may be deemed technically ineligible to receive an award, and that determination will be used as a basis for making an award to another applicant.

Note: SAM.gov is not the same as SAMS/MyGrants. It is free to register in both systems, but the registration processes are different.

Information is included on the SAM.gov website to help international registrations: Please note, guidance on SAM.gov and the guidance on GSA’s website about requirements for registering in SAM.gov is subject to change and is currently being updated. Applicants should review the website frequently for the most up-to-date guidance.

The attached “UEI and SAM.gov FAQ updated 013124” is a resource provided by the grants policy office. Any content shown from SAM.gov is not owned by the Department of State. This guidance and instruction are to the best of our knowledge at the time of posting this solicitation. Where guidance in this attachment differs from the SAM.gov website, SAM.gov prevails and the applicant is encouraged to seek and document clarity provided by the SAM.gov helpdesk.

D.3.1 Exemptions An exemption from the requirements listed above may be permitted under the following circumstances:

· For any applicant or recipient: if the federal awarding agency determines that it must protect information about the entity from disclosure if it is in the national security or foreign policy interests of the United States, or to avoid jeopardizing the personal safety of the applicant or recipient's staff or clients.

· For a foreign organization or foreign public entity applying for or receiving a federal award or subaward for a project or program performed outside the United States valued at less than $25,000: if the federal awarding agency deems it to be impractical for the entity to comply with the requirement(s). This exemption must be determined by the federal awarding agency on a case-by-case basis while utilizing a risk-based approach and does not apply if subawards are anticipated.

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

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

D.4. Submission Dates and Times Applications are due no later than 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST), on 15, December 2024 on grants.gov or SAMS/MyGrants under the announcement title “Logistics, Meeting Coordination, and Digital Communications Support for Environmental Cooperation,” funding opportunity number DFOP0017018.

Faxed, couriered, or emailed documents will not be accepted. Reasonable accommodations may, in appropriate circumstances, be provided to applicants with disabilities or for security reasons.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that it has an active registration in grants.gov or SAMS/MyGrants and that an application has been received by the system in its entirety. Application submissions are automatically logged by date and time when made in Grants.gov and SAMS/MyGrants, and the Department of State will use this information to determine whether an application has been submitted on time. Late applications are neither reviewed nor considered. Applicants should not expect a notification upon OES receiving their application.

OES bears no responsibility for disqualification that results from applicants not being registered before the due date, for registration errors in either system, or other errors in the application process.

D.5. Funding Limitations, Restrictions, and Other Considerations OES will not consider applications that reflect any type of support for any member, affiliate, or representative of a designated terrorist organization. Please refer to the link for Foreign Terrorist Organizations: https://www.state.gov/foreign-terrorist-organizations/. Consistent with Department guidance on State Funding and the Risks of Terrorist Financing for all State Department funded programs and requirements, Department bureaus must assess the likelihood that the funds or Department funded activities, goods, services, training, expert advice or assistance, or other benefits to be provided, could inadvertently or incidentally benefit terrorist organizations or their members or supporters, and must put in place appropriate risk mitigation measures to mitigate such risk. In accordance with 14 FAM 247, and consistent with 2 FAM 050, Counterterrorism (CT) name-check vetting may be performed in countries and programs designated by the Department.

The following activities and costs are not covered under this announcement (this list is NOT exhaustive):

· Construction or renovations is not an allowable activity under this award;

· Projects intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the applicant organization;

· Projects seeking funds for personal use;

· Administration of a project that will make a profit;

· Expenses incurred before or after the specified dates of award period of performance (unless prior written approval is received);

· Projects designed to advocate policy views or positions of foreign governments or views of a particular political faction;

· Alcoholic beverages;

· Costs of entertainment, including amusement, diversion, and social activities, and any associated costs, are unallowable, except where specific costs that might otherwise be considered entertainment have a programmatic purpose and are authorized either in the approved budget for the federal award or with prior written approval of the Grants Officer.

Representation by Organization Regarding a Delinquent Tax Liability or a Felony Criminal Conviction: In accordance with section 7073 of Division K of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014 (Public Law 113-76), none of the funds made available by that Act may be used to enter into an assistance award with any organization that –

(1) Was “convicted of a felony criminal violation under any Federal law within the preceding 24 months, where the awarding agency has direct knowledge of the conviction, unless the agency has considered, in accordance with its procedures, that this further action is not necessary to protect the interests of the Government”; or

(2) Has any “unpaid Federal tax liability that has been assessed for which all judicial and administrative remedies have been exhausted or have lapsed, and that is not being paid in a timely manner pursuant to an agreement with the authority responsible for collecting the tax liability, unless the Federal agency has considered, in accordance with its procedures, that this further action is not necessary to protect the interests of the Government.”

For the purposes of Section 7073, it is the Department of State’s policy that no award may be made to any organization covered by (1) or (2) above, unless the Procurement Executive has made a written determination that suspension or debarment is not necessary to protect the interests of the U.S. Government.

Funding Restrictions for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA)

None of the funds awarded resulting from this Notice of Funding Opportunity may be made available for subawards, direct financial support, or otherwise used to provide any payment or transfer to United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).

Prohibition on Funding Activities that Encourage Mass-Migration Caravans towards the United States Southwest Border

None of the funds awarded under this grant may be made available to encourage, mobilize, publicize, or manage mass-migration caravans towards the United States southwest border. Funds may not be made available for legal counseling on the United States asylum process; and/or for referrals to legal or representation in the United States.

Funds may only be used for cash cards for use in the country in which they are provided or to facilitate assisted voluntary returns and other purposes that do not encourage, mobilize, publicize, or manage mass migration caravans towards the United States southwest border. The provision of humanitarian assistance is permitted.

Organizations should be cognizant of the restrictions above when developing project proposals. Funding restrictions require appropriate due diligence of program beneficiaries and collaboration with OES to ensure compliance. Program beneficiaries subject to due diligence vetting will include any individuals or entities that are beneficiaries of foreign assistance funding or support. Due diligence vetting will include a review of open-source materials.

D.6 Other Submission Requirements Since SAMS/MyGrants interface with sam.gov, it is required that applicants obtain a UEI and complete the registration process in sam.gov before…