Notice of Funding Opportunity OPAPDFY22005.pdf

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

U.S. OFFICE OF PALESTINIAN AFFAIRS

PUBLIC DIPLOMACY SECTION

Notice of Funding Opportunity

Funding Opportunity Title: U.S. Office of Palestinian Affairs Entrepreneurial & Economic Empowerment (E3) Hub

Funding Opportunity Number: OPAPDFY22005 Deadline for Applications: July 25, 2022 Assistance Listing Number: 19.021 Total Amount Available: $150,000

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Office of Palestinian Affairs (OPA-PD) announces an open competition for a grant through this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). The Entrepreneurial & Economic Empowerment (E3) Hub project is designed to partner with not-for-profit non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to implement activities which advance the applicant’s goals and the OPA-PD mission: to advance a comprehensive and lasting peace through a negotiated two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the development of a vibrant, representative, and responsive Palestinian civil society, private sector, and governing institutions through substantive engagement with American people, institutions, ideas and ideals in order to improve American-Palestinian relations and create greater opportunities for mutually beneficial partnership and cooperation.

Priority Region: Jerusalem, West Bank, and Gaza.

Program Objectives:

The U.S. OPA E3 Hub is established as a center to focus on entrepreneurial competencies, economic empowerment, and advancement of employment skills of Palestinians audiences.

Through the E3 Hub, the OPA aims to provide young Palestinians with the needed tools and support to develop their businesses successfully and have a positive impact on their community. The E3 Hub will utilize the networks and convening power of the OPA’s public diplomacy programming—including the ability to gather stakeholders, access American business expertise, connections to international businesses, American educational tools, and more—to advance the Palestinian entrepreneurial ecosystem and empower the Palestinian business community.

A variety of activities and events (virtual and in-person) should be designed and implemented to achieve the goals stated above and the objectives named below and to position the E3 Hub as the OPA’s center of entrepreneurship and economic empowerment programming. These activities should be designed to enhance the participants’ skills and connect them to potential collaborators, mentors, and even investors in the United States and throughout the world, to introduce them to new and exciting opportunities at home and in the region, and to enable them to create relationships and partnerships with the American businesses.

All proposed projects must aim to advance the OPA-PD mission goals stated above, contain a substantive American element, and achieve all of the following specific objectives:

1. Advance Palestinian entrepreneurs’ and job seekers’ knowledge and skills to navigate the local and global business environment.

2. Commemorate the annual Global Entrepreneurship Week (November 2022) with programs planned specifically for the E3 Hub that week.

3. Create new linkages between Palestinian entrepreneurs/SMEs and regional, American, and international companies and institutions.

4. Increase the economic empowerment of youth, women, and marginalized communities.

5. Improve the Palestinian people’s knowledge of American expertise, American businesses best practices, and U.S.-Palestinian partnerships.

6. Foster connections and dialogue between Palestinian entrepreneurs and international development organizations, American companies or experts, and key stakeholders in higher education and the private sector that will result in collaboration opportunities and new partnerships.

7. Position the E3 Hub as the umbrella program that supports and raises awareness of OPA- PD entrepreneurial and economic programming.

8. Utilize the E3 Hub concept to better connect the OPA with stakeholders in the Palestinian entrepreneurial ecosystem, making them more aware of opportunities offered by the U.S.

government.

Innovation and creativity in proposals are highly encouraged. The proposed project must include the following elements:

1. Clearly defined project objectives, specific supporting activities, quantifiable project benchmarks and/or milestones, and a robust monitoring and evaluation plan.

2. A sustainable strategic plan to provide program participants with knowledge, networks, or skills of lasting value and application beyond the term of the project.

3. A clear explanation of how the program will include activities, either in person or virtual, that benefit Gazans.

4. Use of traditional and innovative program methods and networking tools in the pursuit of the broader objectives of empowering entrepreneurs, economic development, business development, and job creation.

5. An integrated project messaging/media plan designed to amplify the reach of key program messages and opportunities to the Palestinian public.

6. An innovative approach that highlights American expertise or U.S.-Palestinian partnerships and creates/strengthens networks between Americans and Palestinians.

7. Utilization of American Spaces in Jerusalem, Ramallah, Nablus and Hebron for in-person activities. (See Attachment No. I for details).

8. Clear plan to manage and administer the E3 Hub website currently being developed. (See Attachment No. II for details).

Proposals are encouraged to include as many of the following illustrative elements as possible. Additional activities not included here may also be suggested as part of the proposal.

1. A series of events, academic and professional lectures, seminars, speaker sessions, roundtables, networking, and/or trainings which contribute to the program’s goals and objectives.

2. A focus on programming during Global Entrepreneurship Week 2022 that complements, harmonizes, and synchronizes to the extent possible with other GEW activities.

3. Programming demonstrating the value of diversity in a private sector environment.

4. Advancement of the concepts of social and/or environmental entrepreneurship;

programming that focuses on empowering changemakers to cultivate partnerships with the private sector.

5. Programming focused on the development of private sector leadership skills according to current international best practices.

6. The creation, strengthening, or expansion of youth and women’s entrepreneurship networks that encourage and facilitate the transfer of skills and sharing of resources between members.

7. A strategic plan for integrating currently underserved populations in programs, working in areas where little exposure or opportunities are currently offered, or addressing important topics underrepresented in ongoing or past programs.

8. Programming of activities that seek to increase global awareness about and investment in Palestinian startups and IT service provider options, while also offering practical training to Palestinian entrepreneurs and freelancers who are looking to scale, such as:

Palestinian Pitch Day: An event that will offer an opportunity for top Palestinian startups (5-10 total) to pitch their ideas in front of investors and venture capital firms, with a focus on making connections to American and regional organizations and generating capital for Palestinian business ideas. In the lead up to the event, the implementing partner will work with the startups to refine their pitches and provide needed skills and knowledge to be successful.

Palestinian IT Roundtable: This event will focus on connecting up-and-coming Palestinian tech services firms to regional, American, and European tech companies with a goal of creating new business partnerships. The Palestinian participants will have an opportunity to present their companies, describe their value proposition, and offer testimonials from satisfied customers.

9. Subject matter roundtables with the participation of other international development organizations and key stakeholders to discuss specific issues such as the role of the higher education, social responsibility in the Palestinian private sector, policy and regulation matters to empower innovation and entrepreneurship.

10. A mentorship program that aims to accelerate initial success of Palestinian startups/small businesses by pairing them with related, successful businesses in the Palestinian Territories and the United States in an organized and sustainable fashion.

11. Activities that aim to enhance the target audiences’ employability and life skills, job search skills, work etiquette, and financial literacy skills, allowing marginalized groups to achieve greater economic self-reliance.

12. Activities that promote the success of women in business.

13. Activities with business service providers (BSP) to leverage their capacity to provide tailored services to the market.

14. Activities that focus on establishing market linkages or Business to Business (B2B) partnerships.

Note that no funding distributed under this NOFO may be used for investment or seed funding for a for-profit entity.

It is anticipated that the award resulting from this NOFO may be a grant, cooperative agreement, or fixed amount award, and the recipient will be expected to closely coordinate with OPA-PD and leverage other OPA-PD programs and tools.

The specific results, outcomes, outputs and anticipated impact of award activities will be defined based on the problem each applicant identifies. Applicants must clearly present in their applications a challenge within the private sector and/or entrepreneurial environment and corresponding solution that involves a substantive American element and engagement.

In accordance with the proposed activities, applications must include specific project objectives, with specific supporting activities, quantifiable project benchmarks and/or milestones, and a robust monitoring and evaluation plan. Based on these, award-specific objectives and outcomes will be developed and included in final award.

Participants and Audiences:

Palestinian small and medium enterprises (SMEs), Palestinian entrepreneurs, recent graduates, job seekers, leaders and influencers in or on the Palestinian entrepreneurial ecosystem, investors, and the larger international business community.

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Length of performance period: 8 to 12 months Number of awards anticipated: One award Total available funding: $150,000 Type of Funding: FY22 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds Anticipated programs start date: on/about October 1, 2022 This notice is subject to availability of funding.

Funding Instrument Type: Grant, Cooperative Agreement, or Fixed Amount Award. OPA-PD will be substantially involved in carrying out various aspects of the resulting Cooperative Agreement; specifics will be included in award document.

Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 12 months or less, noting that at least the last 1-3 months of the period of performance -- after the end of the substantive project activity -- should be dedicated to short and medium term measurement and evaluation of project success to measure indicators and determine if leading goals and objectives have been met.

The Department of State will entertain applications for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the initial budget period on a non-competitive basis subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the program, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the U.S. Department of State.

C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION

1. Eligible Applicants The following types of applicants are eligible to apply: Not-for-profit American or Palestinian organizations based in or with experience and/or partners working in Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

Cost sharing or matching are not required under this NOFO. Nonetheless, cost sharing and/or matching are welcomed from applicants who will pledge their own resources towards the activities.

Cash or in-kind contributions are allowable as cost sharing, which may include volunteer services provided by professional and technical personnel; donated supplies; equipment; and use of venues and other property.

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.

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

1. Address to Request Application Package

The required application forms for this Notice of Funding Opportunity are available on the Office of Palestinian Affairs webpage and on https://www.grants.gov/forms/sf-424-family.html.

Please note the optional templates (Project Proposal template; Detailed Budget Spreadsheet template; and Budget Narrative template) on the Office of Palestinian Affair webpage. The templates are designed to make the application process easier. Applicants may choose to use these optional templates if desired or if they do not have their own standard proposal format.

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. Please submit all proposal documents as described below via email with “Entrepreneurial & Economic Empowerment (E3) Hub” in the subject line to JerusalemPAUPSEO@state.gov. Please reference the NOFO number in the subject field of the e-mail.

Content of Applications:

Please ensure:

The proposal clearly addresses the goals and objectives of this funding opportunity and contains clear and measurable indicators of success along with a clear plan for measuring and evaluating whether or not those indicators have been met. (See sections A and E).

Anyone reading the proposal can clearly understand the specific activities proposed and how those activities will achieve the stated goals and objectives.

The proposal contains a clear budget and budget narrative detailing how the budget proposal supports the proposed activities and goals/objectives of the project.

The proposal includes a substantive American component which facilitates the exchange of information, ideas and/or experience between Americans and Palestinians.

All documents are in English; proposals submitted in Arabic or other languages will not be considered.

All budgets are in U.S. dollars.

All pages are numbered.

The following documents are required and are available at this link https://il.usembassy.gov/palestinian-affairs-unit/cultural-and-educational-programs/grants-and-funding-opportunities/ and on https://www.grants.gov/forms/sf-424-family.html.

1. Mandatory application forms:

SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance – organizations) or SF-424-I (Application for Federal Assistance – individuals) at grants.gov

SF424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs) at grants.gov SF424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs) or SF424B (Assurances for Non-

Construction programs - Individual) at grants.gov (note: the SF-424B is only required for individuals and for organizations not registered in SAM.gov)

Applicants may also use the optional templates (Project Proposal template; Detailed Budget Spreadsheet template; and Budget Narrative template) if desired. They are at the link provided above. The optional templates are designed to make the application process easier but are not required.

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

3. 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 or the optional template, 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, demonstrating ability to carry out the program, including information on all previous grants from any 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

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. Objectives should be achievable and measurable. (Also see section A for the goals and objectives of this funding opportunity)

Program Activities: Describe the program activities you will implement to achieve the goals and objectives. Be specific and clear about what exactly you intend to do. For example: if you intend to improve the skills of participants, will you use workshops, training programs, practical exercises, information sharing, something else? On what topics exactly? How many sessions/events? What format? For how many people? When and where?

Program Methods and Design: A description of how the program and each of its specific activities are expected to work to solve the stated problem and achieve the goals and objectives. Include a logic model if appropriate. Remember to explain how your program design and/or proposed activities provide a substantive American component to your program, facilitating the exchange of information, ideas, and/or experience between Americans and Palestinians.

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

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

Program Partners: List the names and type of involvement of key partner organizations and sub-awardees.

Program Monitoring and Evaluation Plan: This is an important part of successful proposals. Proposals must include a clear and specific monitoring, measurement, and evaluation plan stating specific and measurable indicators of success and the intended method for measuring achievement of each indicator. Throughout the timeframe of the project, how will the activities be monitored to ensure they are happening in a timely manner and achieving the intended results/outcomes? What measures will be used to determine whether indicators of success have been met? And how will the program be evaluated to make sure it is meeting its stated goals?

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 form (above), use a separate page or document to create a budget narrative describing each of the budget expenses in detail. Please find Please find at this link https://il.usembassy.gov/palestinian-affairs-unit/cultural-and-educational-programs/grants-and-funding-opportunities/ two sample templates (budget and budget narrative) two sample templates (budget and budget narrative) that may be used to assist applicants in provision of budget information. See section H. Other Information: Guidelines for Budget Submissions below for further information.

5. Attachments:

1-page CV or resume of key personnel who are proposed for the program Letters of support from program partners describing the roles and responsibilities of each partner.

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

Official permission letters, if required for program activities

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

Required Registrations:

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

Any applicant with an exclusion in the System for Award Management (SAM) is not eligible to apply for an assistance award in accordance with the OMB guidelines at 2 CFR 180 that implement Executive Orders 12549 (3 CFR, 1986 Comp., p. 189) and 12689 (3 CFR, 1989 Comp., p. 235), “Debarment and Suspension.”

The Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) is one of the data elements mandated by Public Law 109-282, the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA), for all Federal awards.

SAM.gov is the Federal government's primary database for complying with FFATA reporting requirements. OMB designated SAM.gov as the central repository to facilitate applicant and recipient use of a single public website that consolidates data on all federal financial assistance.

Under the law, it is mandatory to register in SAM.gov.

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

U.S.-based organizations: A CAGE code will be automatically assigned when the U.S.

organizations registers in www.sam.gov. CAGE must be renewed every 5 years. Site for CAGE:

https://cage.dla.mil/Home/UsageAgree. Grantees may be asked for more information to finalized and must comply.

Foreign-based organizations: Must apply for a NCAGE code before registering in SAM.gov. Go to: https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/CageTool/home to apply for a NCAGE code.

NCAGE codes must be renewed every 5 years.

It is in the organization’s best interest to check if their CAGE/or NCAGE codes are active.

Organizations are required to register/or renew their CAGE or NCAGE codes prior to registering or renewing www.sam.gov . Both registration and renewals for both CAGE and NCAGE can take up to 10 days. Organization’s legal address in NCAGE/CAGE must mirror www. sam.gov.

www.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.

If an organization plans to issue a sub-contract or sub-award, those sub-awardees must also have a unique entity identifier (UEI number). Those entities can register for a UEI only at SAM.gov.

If an organization does not have an active registration in SAM.gov prior to submitting an application, the application will be deemed ineligible. All organizations applying for grants (except individuals) must obtain these registrations, the latter are free of charge.

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

4. Submission Dates and Times

Applications are due no later than midnight Jerusalem local time (GMT +3) July 25, 2022.

5. Funding Restrictions

The following types of projects are not eligible for funding:

o Projects relating to partisan political activity o Charitable or development activities o Construction projects o Projects that support specific religious activities or promote only one faith/religion o Fund-raising campaigns o Lobbying for specific legislation or projects o Projects intended primarily for the growth/institutional development/maintenance of the applicant organization or its partner organizations.

6. Other Submission Requirements

All application materials must be submitted by email with “Entrepreneurial & Economic Empowerment (E3) Hub” in the subject line to JerusalemPAUPSEO@state.gov including your organization’s official registration.

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: The program idea is well developed, with detail about how program activities will be carried out. The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline.

Organizational Capacity and Record on Previous Grants: The organization has expertise in its stated field and has the internal controls in place to manage the grant funds and complexity of the proposed project.

Program Planning/Ability to Achieve Objectives: Goals and objectives are clearly stated and program approach is likely to provide maximum impact in achieving the proposed results. As stated above, the goals and objectives of the project must include the OPA-PD mission goals and the specific objectives outlined in Section A of this notice. This includes a substantive American component which facilitates the exchange of information, ideas and/or experience between Americans and Palestinians.

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.

Measurement, monitoring and evaluation plan: Applicant demonstrates it is able to measure achievement of key indicators to evaluate program success and provides milestones to indicate progress toward goals and objectives outlined in the proposal. The program includes output and outcome indicators, and shows how and when those will be measured.

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

Note: Preference will be given to organizations not already funded under this NOFO.

2. Review and Selection Process

A selection committee will evaluate all eligible applications. Applicants will be notified of the result of the committee’s decision regarding their proposal. Those applicants whose proposals were selected for funding by the committee may be asked for revisions to their initial proposal before funding amounts can be finalized and an award can be signed.

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.

4. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates:

The selection committee hopes to be able to announce the results of the selection committee process in approximately late September and awards will be issued no later than September 30, 2022.

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: Payment will be made by electronic funds transfer. Payment schedules will be determined by the Grants Officer and specified in the award document.

It is strongly preferred that successful applicants have a bank account in U.S. currency to avoid potential loss due to exchange rate fluctuations.

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:

President’s September 2, 2020 memorandum, entitled Memorandum on Reviewing Funding to State and Local Government Recipients of Federal Funds that Are Permitting Anarchy, Violence, and Destruction in American Cities;

Executive Order on Protecting American Monuments, Memorials, and Statues and Combating Recent Criminal Violence (E.O. 13933); and

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).

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. Generally, grantees are required to submit quarterly program progress and financial reports throughout the project period. Progress and financial reports are due 30 days after the reporting period. Final programmatic and financial reports are due 120 days after the close of the project period. Progress reports at a minimum should be submitted via electronic mail to an address provided in the award.

G. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS

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

JerusalemPAUPSEO@state.gov by June 30, 2022 with “Entrepreneurial & Economic Empowerment (E3) Hub” in the subject line.

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.

Modified total direct costs (MTDC) means all direct salaries and wages, applicable fringe benefits, materials and supplies, services, travel, and up to the first $25,000 of each subaward (regardless of the period of performance of the subawards under the award). MTDC excludes equipment, capital expenditures, charges for patient care, rental costs, tuition remission, scholarships and fellowships, participant support costs and the portion of each subaward in excess of $25,000. Other items may only be excluded when necessary to avoid a serious inequity in the distribution of indirect costs, and with the approval of the cognizant agency for indirect costs.

“Cost Sharing” refers to contributions from the organization or other entities other than the U.S.

Department of State. 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.

[End of Notice of Funding Opportunity]

Attachments:

Attachment I: American Spaces.

Attachment II: E3 Hub Website

OPAPDFY22005 – OPA Entrepreneurial & Economic Empowerment (E3) Hub

ATTACHMENT No. I

American Spaces

The Office of American Spaces oversees a network of nearly 600 open-access cultural centers supported by the U.S. government. These American Spaces, located in more than 140 countries, serve to connect the world with the United States. Modeled after modern American libraries, American Spaces receive millions of visitors each year. These technologically-equipped Spaces share American culture and values with foreign audiences providing free access to American books, movies, and programs that demonstrate American values. As diverse as the communities they serve, the American Spaces are grouped into three broad categories: U.S. government-operated American Centers, independently-operated Binational Centers primarily located in Latin America, and American Corners, which are partner spaces that reside within a variety of local institutions such as libraries or universities.

Started after World War I to connect with foreign audiences, American Spaces impart a welcoming and inspiring American environment. They promote the English language, educational opportunities in the United States, cultural programming, information about the United States, and engagement with alumni of U.S. government exchange programs. Since 2014, the Spaces have increased in popularity, doubling the number of visitors.

America House advances U.S. interests by strengthening relationships with Palestinian audiences, showcasing U.S. culture and values, and fostering goodwill and mutual understanding.

With four in-person platforms in East Jerusalem, Ramallah, Hebron, and Nablus, America House allows more than 13,000 Palestinians a year to forge their own personal or virtual connection with the United States. America House provides Palestinians with unique access to English language learning; U.S. educational advising; compelling speakers; dynamic programming that prompts key policy related conversations; premium technology; networking and events for alumni of U.S.

government-sponsored programs; information about the U.S. and its culture; and technology programs including robotics, coding, and entrepreneurship.

[End of Attachment No. I]

OPAPDFY22005 – OPA Entrepreneurial & Economic Empowerment (E3) Hub

ATTACHMENT No. II

E3 Hub Website

In September 2021, The Global Citizens’ Initiative (TGCI) and PalTechUS (subrecipient) were awarded a Cooperative Agreement to help the Office of Palestinian Affairs (OPA) establish the E3 Hub, including a web portal.

The E3 Hub web portal will be housed under the American Spaces webpage. The portal aims to a provide mechanism to connect Palestinian audiences with access to (a) the OPA and other U.S.

government entities with entrepreneurial & economic empowerment programs; and (b) online capacity-building tools and training activities. The E3 Hub web portal will enable participants to have access to information and links to OPA and other U.S. Government Programs that offer Palestinian entrepreneurs online and real time skill-building resources and other relevant opportunities.

1. E3 Hub Portal Design Framework

The E3 Hub web portal will provide a environment where Palestinian entrepreneurs and audiences can access online and real-time OPA and U.S. Government resources to build their knowledge and skills in the field of entrepreneurship. It will provide a Home Page, an About Us Page, a Programs Page, an Activities Page, and a Documents page.

The Home page will provide: a statement of the goal of the portal, a menu bar of the types of resources that can be accessed, and links to the different programs that are profiled on the site.

The About Us page will provide a profile and contact information about OPA and the E3 Hub.

The Programs page will provide profiles of the different OPA and U.S. Government entities that provide skills training, access to grants and loans, and information about American culture and values. It will also provide information on what these organizations have to offer, and how their resources can be accessed.

The Activities page will provide information on programs, training, mentoring and other events.

This information also will be posted on the Home Page when specific dates have been identified.

The Documents page will provide access to relevant reports, training guidelines and other materials useful to our target audiences.

2. E3 Hub Web Portal Functional Requirements

The E3-Hub Web Portal will allow users access to OPA programs, resources, and links to other U.S. Government related programs in order to provide/enhance entrepreneurial skills, capacity-building, mentoring training on real life soft-skills and a platform for networking with one another and Palestinians in the diaspora. Below are high-level functional requirements of the E3 Hub Portal.

3. eHub Portal Administration

E3-Hub Portal administrators will manage content, updates, posting, and user accounts for others who have access to posting materials. Identifying, and authenticating users, and granting access to specific resources and programs will be based on the OPA approval and according to OPA policies, procedures, and guidelines. OPA E3 Hub users report will be generated from E3 Hub Portal data to detail user activities. The E3 Hub grantee must assign a System Administrator (SA) to the portal.

The E3 Hub Portal SA will perform monitoring, account management activities and routine Operation and Maintenance (O&M) activities such as patching the portal servers on a routine schedule or as needed. All users must accept terms and conditions to access the Portal.

[End of Attachment No. II]