Notice of Funding Opportunity - ModelUN.pdf

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

U.S. Mission China

Notice of Funding Opportunity

Funding Opportunity Title: Model UN Simulations at American Centers in China Funding Opportunity Number: EAPSHA-NOFO-FY24-01 Deadline for Applications: April 30, 2024, 11:59 p.m. EDT Assistance Listing Number: 19.441 American Spaces Total Amount Available: Up to $57,000

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

U.S. Mission China announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out five English-language Model United Nations Simulation workshops to be held at the American Centers in Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Shenyang, and Wuhan.

This initiative aims to promote cross-cultural understanding, leadership development, English language skills, and critical thinking skills among Chinese high school and university students by simulating the procedures and dynamics of the United Nations.

Students will learn oral and written communication skills including giving speeches, debating, and negotiating. They will learn how to make compromises and to reach consensus on issues of global concern, such as combating climate change, artificial intelligence governance, etc.

Program Objectives:

• Promote global citizenship and encourage engagement with international affairs among Chinese youth.

• Enhance participants' negotiation, public speaking, and diplomatic skills in English through immersive Model UN simulations.

• Strengthen bilateral relations between the United States and China through educational exchange.

For each of the Model UN simulations, the grantee will provide all Model UN facilitators, develop the program content, and provide all program materials, including marketing and application materials. Grantee will work cooperatively with each of the American Centers for the themes of the simulations, simulation dates, and the recruitment and selection of program participants. Grantee will be responsible for verifying that participants have the required English language ability to participate in the program.

Possible activities within each of the Model UN simulations include:

• Formal Sessions: Participants debate international policy issues and formally debate and vote on resolutions.

• Informal Sessions: delegate training (debating, resolution writing, speech delivery), research / presentation preparation, topical discussion led by facilitator/experts, etc.

Applicants should not budget for travel of participants, venue costs, or interpretation.

Simulation workshops can take either of the following formats (and do not need to be standardized across all American Centers): a) five-day workshop with half days, b) two-day workshops with full days, c) 2.5-day workshops with half/full days.

Participants and Audiences:

Each Model UN Simulation will have between 20-40 participants. The program aims for the following target audience:

• Bilingual (Chinese/English) high school students in their final two years.

• Bilingual (Chinese/English) university students irrespective of their majors and seniority.

• Must be a PRC citizen.

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Length of performance period: 3 to 6 months Number of awards anticipated: 1 award Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $10,000 to a maximum of $57,000 Total available funding: $57,000 Type of Funding: FY24 Fulbright Hays Public Diplomacy Funds Anticipated program start date: June 15, 2024

This notice is subject to availability of funding.

Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative Agreement. U.S. Mission China will be substantively involved in the selection of topics for each Model UN simulation, selection of timeframe for the program, and have final approval of simulation participants.

Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 6 months or less.

C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION

1. Eligible Applicants

Eligibility is limited to U.S. and Chinese entities qualified to receive U.S. grants and able to develop and implement programs in the People’s Republic of China. These include:

• Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks, educational institutions, civil society organizations.

• Individuals.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

Cost sharing is not required.

3. Other Eligibility Requirements

In order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number issued via www.SAM.gov as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov. Please see Section D.3 for more information. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov.

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

1. Application Forms and Submission

Mandatory forms are available at the U.S. Embassy’s website and Grants.gov by searching the Funding Opportunity Number listed at the top of this document.

All application materials should be submitted by email to ShanghaiPAS@state.gov.

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.

2. 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 Calibri font, with a minimum of 1-inch margins.

The following documents are required:

a. Mandatory application forms (available here):

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

SF-424I (Application for Federal Assistance – Individuals)

• SF424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs) http://www.sam.gov/ https://china.usembassy-china.org.cn/education-culture/grant-opportunities/ https://www.grants.gov/ mailto:ShanghaiPAS@state.gov https://china.usembassy-china.org.cn/education-culture/grant-opportunities/

• Individuals and organizations not registered in SAM.gov must also submit the SF424B (Assurances for Non-Construction Programs)

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

c. 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.

• 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.

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

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

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

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

• Program 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?

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

e. Attachments:

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

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

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

• Official permission letters, if required for program activities

3. Required Registrations:

All organizations, whether based in the United States or in another country, must have a

Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration with the SAM.gov. A UEI is one of the data elements mandated by Public Law 109-282, the Federal Funding Accountability and

Transparency Act (FFATA), for all Federal awards.

Note: As of April 2022, a DUNS number is no longer required for federal assistance applications.

The 2 CFR 200 requires that sub-grantees obtain a UEI number. Please note the UEI for sub-grantees is not required at the time of application but will be required before an award is processed and/or directed to a sub-grantee.

Note: The process of obtaining or renewing a SAM.gov registration may take anywhere from 4-8 weeks. Please begin your registration as early as possible.

• Organizations based in the United States or that pay employees within the United States will need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and a UEI number prior to registering in SAM.gov.

• Organizations based outside of the United States and that do not pay employees within the United States do not need an EIN from the IRS but do need a UEI number prior to registering in SAM.gov.

• Please note that as of November 2022 and February 2022 respectively, organizations based outside of the United States that do not intend to apply for U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) awards are no longer required to have a NATO Commercial and Government Entity (NCAGE) code or CAGE code to apply for non- DoD foreign assistance funding opportunities. If an applicant organization is mid-registration and wishes to remove a CAGE or NCAGE code from their SAM.gov registration, the applicant should submit a help desk ticket (“incident”) with the Federal Service Desk (FSD) online at www.fsd.gov using the following language: “I do not intend to seek financial assistance from the Department of Defense. I do not wish to obtain a CAGE or NCAGE code. I understand that I will need to submit my registration after this incident is resolved in order to have my registration activated.”

Organizations based outside of the United States and that DO NOT plan to do business with the DoD should follow the below instructions:

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

https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fsd.gov%2Fgsafsd_sp%3Fid%3Dgsafsd_kb_articles%26sys_id%3Dc81018e71b1601d0937fa64ce54bcb57&data=05%7C01%7Cfjeldkk%40state.gov%7C0cc4e2b471f44abcd32308db093ecead%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C638113937577534024%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=W2ShcazZBQbanYGj0cLOTnUJwv%2BGL4xfwr83%2BycQY2E%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fsd.gov%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cfjeldkk%40state.gov%7C0cc4e2b471f44abcd32308db093ecead%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C638113937577534024%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=t32ANWzgpiB93pMWoq%2BFCSHz4YJY9QF1S1iQzCsS6RM%3D&reserved=0

Organizations based outside of the United States and that DO plan to do business with the DoD in addition to Department of State should follow the below instructions:

Step 1: Apply for an NCAGE code by following the instructions on the NSPA NATO website linked below:

NCAGE Homepage:

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

Exemptions An exemption from the UEI and sam.gov registration requirements may be permitted on a case-by-case basis if:

• An applicant’s identity must be protected due to potential endangerment of their mission, their organization’s status, their employees, or individuals being served by the applicant.

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

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

4. Submission Date

Applications are due no later than 30 April 2024.

E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

a. Evaluation Criteria

The following criteria (1) serve as a standard against which all proposals will be evaluated, and (2) serve to identify the significant matters that should be addressed in all proposals.

1. Quality and Feasibility of the Program Idea: The program idea is clearly connected to the goals of this notice of funding opportunity and is well developed, with detail about https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Feportal.nspa.nato.int%2FAC135Public%2Fscage%2FCageList.aspx&data=05%7C01%7Cfjeldkk%40state.gov%7C0cc4e2b471f44abcd32308db093ecead%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C638113937577534024%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=v3TLT8F%2FNfk5SuTcI2zw7SMhV4HK542OhP9XDx4ln%2BY%3D&reserved=0 how program activities will be carried out. The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline.

2. Project Goals/Implementation Plan: Applicants should describe what they propose to do and how they will do it. The proposed activities must directly relate to meeting the goals and objectives, and applicants should include information on how they will measure activities’ effectiveness. The review panel will be viewing the implementation plan in terms of how well it addresses the project statement, relevance of the goals and objectives, feasibility of the proposed activities and their timeline for completion, and the extent to which the impact of the project will continue beyond the conclusion of the funding period.

3. Organizational Capability: Applicants must demonstrate how their resources, capabilities, and experience will enable them to achieve the stated goals and objectives.

If applicable, applicants should describe the nature of their existing partnership with Chinese or American partners and how that affiliation will help to meet project goals.

The application must distinguish all key partners and organizations that will be involved.

4. Budget: 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. All expenses are allowable. The purchase of alcoholic beverages is not allowable.

5. Monitoring and Evaluation Plan: Applicant demonstrates it is able to measure program success against key indicators and provides milestones to indicate progress toward goals outlined in the proposal. The program includes output and outcome indicators, and shows how and when those will be measured.

6. Sustainability: Program activities will continue to have positive impact after the end of the program.

b. Review and Selection Process

A review committee will evaluate all eligible applications.

F. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

Federal Award Notices

The 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.

Organizations whose applications will not be funded will also be notified via email.

Anticipated Time to Award: Applicants should expect to be notified whether their proposal was selected within 30 days after the submission deadline. Upon notification, U.S.

Consulate Shanghai Public Diplomacy Grants staff will provide successful applicants with information about any further requirements and/or refinements for the pre-award phase of the process. This may include revisions to the activities proposed and/or budget clarifications and adjustments.

Payment Method: Payment will be made via electronic transfer. Payment period and amounts will be described in the award terms agreed with the applicant. Recipients must utilize the SF-270 to request payment.

Terms and Conditions: 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

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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).

Applicants should particularly note the U.S. flag branding and marketing requirements in the Standard Terms and Conditions.

Reporting Requirements: Recipients will be required to submit financial reports and program/performance reports. The award document will specify how often these reports must be submitted.

In addition, successful applicants are expected to apprise the Grants Officer or Grants Officer Representative on progress throughout the project period. This includes keeping the Grants Officer and/or Grants Officer Representative apprised of any problems or issues that might make it difficult for the grantee to comply with the terms of the award within the project period.

G. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS

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

https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=81a5f41de81c46a9844617d93a9db081&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5 mailto:ShanghaiPAS@state.gov

Note: We do not provide any pre-consultation for application related questions that are addressed in the Notice of Funding Opportunity. Once an application has been submitted, State Department officials and staff — both in the Department and at embassies overseas — may not discuss this competition with applicants until the entire proposal review process is completed.

H. OTHER INFORMATION

Guidelines for Budget Justification

Personnel: 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. 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-for-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. Indirect costs are not applicable to individual applicants.

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.