Notice of Funding Opportunity - Strengthening Community-Backed Governance for Credible Peacebuilding in Burma_20260813.pdf

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

Strengthening Community-Backed

Governance to Advance Stability and

Peace in Burma

Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, Department of State

Opportunity number: DFOP0019639

Application deadline: August 31, 2026 at 11:59pm (EST)

Contents

A. Basic Information

B. Eligibility

C. Program Description

D. Application Contents and Format

E. Submission Requirements and Deadlines

F. Application Review Information

G. Award Notices

H. Post-Award Requirements and Administration

I. Other Information

U.S Department of State

Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor

Notice of Funding Opportunity

A. Basic Information

1. Overview

Funding Opportunity Title Strengthening Community-Backed Governance to Advance

Stability and Peace in Burma Funding Opportunity Number DFOP0019639

Announcement Type Initial

Deadline for Applications August 31, 2026 at 11:59pm (EST)

Assistance Listing Number 19.345

Length of performance period 24 months

Number of awards anticipated 1 award

Award amounts $1,973,359.00

Total available funding $1,973,359.00

Type of Funding FY25 Democracy Funds

Anticipated project start date September 30, 2026

Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative agreement.

Project Performance Period: Proposed projects should be completed in 24 months or less. 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.

This notice is subject to availability of funding.

2. Executive Summary

Priority Region: Burma

Executive Summary

Securing stability and peace in Burma requires credible interlocutors who can engage in meaningful dialogue when negotiation opportunities arise. This program advances peace process prospects through two integrated objectives designed to position Ethnic Resistance Organizations

(EROs), civil society, and state-level actors as credible, unified, and community-backed participants in future peace negotiations.

This program directly advances the 2025 National Security Strategy's core objective of protecting the United States through focused foreign policy that delivers measurable outcomes making America safer, stronger, and more prosperous. President Trump has declared that Burma continues to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States. A country of 55 million people in a strategically vital region where Chinese influence is expanding and continued violence and the lack of accountable, democratic governance is leading to rising transnational crime that threatens the safety and security of the

United States and U.S. partners and allies. The program makes America safer by reducing cross-border instability that threatens key partners like India and Thailand. It makes America stronger by positioning pro-American actors as credible national leaders and denying China the strategic depth of a client state in Southeast Asia. It supports U.S. prosperity by countering Chinese economic exploitation and predatory practices that threaten critical supply chains, including rare earth minerals.

The NSS underscores that American foreign policy must be grounded in "flexible realism" and a

"focused definition of the national interest." This program embodies that approach: a narrow program that ensures, when peace negotiation opportunities arise, the actors at the table are aligned with U.S. interests. By strengthening ERO coordination on peace priorities, supporting tangible demonstrations of governance capacity, and funding the independent media voices that provide essential transparency the program creates the conditions for credible peace negotiations that advance U.S. interests and prevent outcomes that would entrench authoritarian rule and

Chinese influence for decades.

B. Eligibility

1. Eligible Applicants

The following organizations are eligible to apply (U.S.-based, foreign, or both):

• U.S.-based non-profit organizations/NGOs with or without 501(c)(3) status

• Private, public, or state institutions of higher education

• For-profit organizations or businesses

• Foreign-based non-profit organizations/nongovernment organizations (NGO)

Given the sensitive nature of operations in Burma, applicants must demonstrate:

• Established trust and working relationships with Burma EROs, resistance governance structures, civil society networks, religious community leaders, or affected communities

• Experience operating in high-risk, conflict-affected, or authoritarian environments

• Proven ability to maintain operational security and protect beneficiary identities

• Capacity to work across ethnic, political, and geographic divides within Burma's resistance landscape

• Understanding of Burma's ethnic dynamics, governance structures, and peace process history

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

Providing cost sharing, matching, or cost participation is not required for this NOFO and will not improve competitive ranking of an application. Any budget items proposed for cost share must be allowable per 2 CFR 200, Subpart E—Cost Principles.

3. Other Eligibility Requirements

All organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) issued via SAM.gov as well as a valid registration in SAM.gov. Please see Section D.3 for more information. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov.

Primary applicants may submit one application in response to this NOFO.

C. Program Description

Program Goal: Advance prospects for stability and sustainable peace in Burma by positioning

EROs and state-level governance actors as credible, unified, and community-backed participants in future peace negotiations through strengthened coordination on peace priorities with transparent accountability mechanisms and demonstrated governance capacity through effective community protection.

Background: Peace negotiations in Burma requires credible interlocutors who can negotiate in good faith because they have demonstrable support and trust from the communities they represent. EROs and state-level governance actors are the most likely counterparts to engage the military in peace negotiations. These interlocutors are most credibly able to enter into agreements when they demonstrate three interconnected capabilities: the ability to coordinate effectively across ethnic and geographic lines on peace process priorities, the transparency and accountability that comes from operating in an environment with protected independent media and civil society voices, and the governance capacity to protect their communities from violence.

When EROs demonstrate these capabilities, they position themselves as viable participants in peace negotiations, advancing U.S. interests in a democratic, stable Burma.

Program Objectives and Activities

This program integrates two mutually reinforcing objectives that together position EROs and state-level actors as credible peace negotiation participants. Applicants must propose programs that address both objectives in an integrated manner and clearly articulate how their proposed activities advance peace prospects in Burma.

Objective 1: Support Coordination, and Information Flows Among EROs and State-Level

Actors that are fundamental to peace negotiations

Purpose: Facilitate sustained consultations on potential peace negotiations, strengthen coordination mechanisms that demonstrate unified governance capacity, and protect independent information flows that ensure transparency and accountability—positioning EROs as credible negotiating partners.

Approach: Support coordination forums and dialogue mechanisms among ERO political wing leadership and state-level governance actors to consult on peace prospects, strengthen joint decision-making on protection priorities and future negotiations positioning, and develop unified external engagement strategies. Simultaneously protect independent media, religious groups, and civil society voices that report on ERO governance, political accountability issues, and maintain the transparent information environment essential for credible peace negotiation participation.

Illustrative Activities:

• Support sustained coordination forums among ERO leadership and state-level governance actors focused on peace consultation and joint positioning for future negotiations

• Facilitate Track 1.5 dialogue convenings that bring together ERO representatives

(participating in their personal or semi-official capacity) with non-governmental experts, former officials, religious community leaders, and civil society actors to explore peacebuilding options, build trust across ethnic and geographic lines, and develop shared frameworks for potential future negotiations. These dialogues provide a structured space for EROs to discuss sensitive coordination issues related to peace negotiations, test approaches for unified positioning, and build relationships that strengthen their collective credibility as potential negotiating partners when peace opportunities arise

• Facilitate dialogue on peace process prospects, including coordination on negotiating priorities, unified messaging, and collective positioning vis-à-vis the military

• Provide technical advisors with Burma context expertise and peace negotiations experience to support dialogue facilitation and coordination mechanism design, ensuring mechanisms are ERO-led and culturally appropriate

• Support costs associated with sustained in-person coordination meetings (likely offshore, given security constraints)

• Facilitate development of joint positioning and messaging for external engagement that demonstrates unified resistance governance and readiness for peace negotiations

• Support coordination protocols for cross-state issues (displaced populations, resource sharing, joint security responses) that demonstrate governance capacity

• Facilitate coordination between EROs and civil society actors to ensure governance accountability

• Document and amplify examples of successful coordination to demonstrate governance capacity to external audiences and potential peace negotiations facilitators

• Provide subgrants to independent media organizations to hold the military accountable at an international scale by providing factual information via accessible news, ensuring transparent information flows that support ERO legitimacy and peace negotiation credibility

• Conduct targeted digital security assessments for independent journalists and civil society organizations documenting ERO governance and peace process developments

• Provide customized digital security tools to secure communications and protect sensitive data for media actors amplifying resistance legitimacy

• Enable secure communication channels and information-sharing platforms that connect opposition actors across geographic areas

Expected Outcomes:

• Strengthened coordination mechanisms among EROs and state-level actors focused on peace negotiation prospects

• Established a sustainable Track 1.5 dialogue mechanisms that enable EROs to explore peacebuilding options with external experts and develop coordinated approaches to future peace engagement

• Demonstrated unified governance on protection and service delivery issues

• Enhanced collective credibility and positioning for future peace negotiations

• Reduced perception of irreconcilable fragmentation among external actors

• Reduced likelihood of side deals that fragment the resistance

• Protected independent media voices that document ERO governance and maintain accountability

• Continued flow of reliable information to international audiences and potential peacebuilding facilitators

• Transparent information environment that supports credible peacebuilding engagement

• Clear articulation of ERO priorities and positions for potential peace negotiations

Note: This objective focuses on strengthening existing coordination efforts and facilitating dialogue on peace negotiation prospects—not building new structures or providing general capacity building. The emphasis is on demonstrating unified governance through tangible coordination outcomes that position EROs as credible peacebuilding participants.

Objective 2: Support ERO governance bodies provision of Early Warning Systems

Purpose: Support EROs in expanding and replicating proven early warning modalities that are responsive to community protection needs, contribute to constituent trust as a result of tangible protection outcomes, and establish the governance credibility necessary for leading their publics in viable peace negotiations.

Approach: Support the expansion and replication of proven early warning models to other states and ERO-controlled areas, focusing on systems that are ERO-led, community-responsive, and demonstrate tangible protection outcomes for civilians. Replicating proven models already used in Burma, for example from Karenni, Sagaing, and Karen States, this program will work in priority locations of ethnic resistance, including Rakhine, Sagaing and Kachin areas, to reinforce

ERO credibility and community trust necessary for peace negotiations.

Effective community protection systems serve as tangible evidence of ERO governance capacity.

When EROs can demonstrate they protect their constituents from violence, they build the trust and legitimacy necessary to represent those constituents in peace negotiations. Communities trust leaders who can protect them; effective early warning systems demonstrate that EROs are responsive to community protection needs and can fulfill basic governance functions.

Illustrative Activities:

• Support ERO governance bodies to expand their early warning practices, including governance structures, coordination mechanisms, and operational protocols

• Facilitate knowledge exchange for EROs/state actors in priority areas (particularly

Rakhine State) seeking to establish similar systems of state/community coordination

• Provide technical assistance for adapting the model to different geographic and ethnic contexts while maintaining core principles

• Support the establishment of early warning infrastructure (communications equipment, coordination centers, alert systems) in priority areas

• Facilitate coordination between early warning systems and ERO governance structures to ensure responsive action

• Support cross-border coordination mechanisms with neighboring authorities where relevant (e.g., India and Thailand border areas)

• Provide small grants for protection infrastructure linked to early warning systems (safe sites, evacuation routes, emergency response capacity)

• Document and amplify successful early warning responses to demonstrate ERO effectiveness to constituents and potential peacebuilding facilitators

Expected Outcomes:

• Reduced civilian casualties and displacement in areas with early warning coverage

• Demonstrated ERO responsiveness to community protection needs

• Increased community trust in ERO governance capacity

• Demonstrated ERO governance capacity that strengthens positioning for participation in peace negotiations

• Evidence of responsive, community-backed governance that external actors can assess when considering peacebuilding facilitation

• Scalable models available for further replication as conditions allow

Note: This objective focuses on contributing resources to, and replicating existing, proven models—not building new systems from scratch or providing general capacity building. The emphasis is on demonstrating ERO responsiveness through tangible protection outcomes that establish governance credibility for peacebuilding participation.

Proposals can only include governance and political wings of EROs and where practical, civilian leadership bodies, not work with armed actors. Proposals must clearly explain:

• How activities focus exclusively on civilian governance functions, civilian protection, and humanitarian coordination—not military or paramilitary support

• How the program will distinguish between armed actors' military functions and their civilian governance/protection roles

• Vetting procedures to ensure assistance supports only permissible activities

• Monitoring mechanisms to prevent diversion of assistance to military or paramilitary purposes

1. Substantial Involvement

The award will be a cooperative agreement. The Department of State will be substantially involved in carrying out the following various aspects of this cooperative agreement. Examples of substantial involvement may include but are not limited to:

• Review selection of all subgrantees, contractors, etc.

• Regular consultation on program strategy, priority geographic areas, and ERO/state actor selection to ensure alignment with evolving U.S. policy toward Burma and positioning for future peace engagement

• Ongoing coordination on security protocols, threat assessments, and incident response to protect U.S. interests and ensure staff and beneficiary safety

• Review of major program decisions, including selection of ERO interlocutors and coordination mechanisms, to ensure consistency with U.S. sanctions policy and broader diplomatic strategy

• Regular briefings and information exchange to maintain U.S. government visibility into

ERO governance capacity and resistance dynamics

• Review of all activities involving EROs, People's Defense Forces (PDFs), and/or other armed actors to ensure compliance with Section 660 of the Foreign Assistance Act, the

BURMA Act, and other applicable legal restrictions. The Department will work with the recipient to determine which specific activities are legally permissible and may require modifications to proposed activities to ensure compliance.

The successful applicant will be expected to maintain regular communication with the

Department, participate in coordination meetings (virtual or in-person as logistics and security permit), and provide timely reporting on significant developments, security incidents, and program adjustments.

Please note that areas of substantial involvement will be negotiated with the applicant prior to award issuance.

D. Application Contents and Format

Please follow all instructions below carefully. Proposals that do not meet the requirements of this announcement or fail to comply with the stated requirements will be ineligible.

Content of Application

Please ensure:

• The proposal clearly addresses the goals and objectives of this funding opportunity

• All documents are in English

• All budgets are in U.S. dollars

• All pages are numbered

• All documents are formatted to fit 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:

1. Mandatory application forms

• SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance – organizations)

• SF-424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs)

• SF-424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs)

2. Summary Page (optional)

Cover sheet stating the applicant’s name and organization, proposal date, program title, program period proposed start and end date, and brief purpose of the program.

3. Proposal (15 pages maximum)

The proposal should contain sufficient information that anyone not familiar with it would understand exactly what the applicant wants to do. You may use your own proposal format, but it must include all the items below.

• Proposal Summary: Short narrative that outlines the proposed project, including project 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 State Department 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 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.

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

• Project Methods and Design: A description of how the program is expected to work to solve the stated problem and achieve the goal. Include a logic model as appropriate.

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

• Key Personnel: Resumes are not required at this time. Instead, provide only the selection criteria your program will apply throughout the grant period of performance when filling key positions.

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

• Project Monitoring and Evaluation Plan: This is an important part of successful grants.

Throughout the timeframe of the grant, how will the activities be monitored to ensure they are happening in a timely manner, and how will the program be evaluated to make sure it is meeting the goals of the grant?

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

4. Budget Justification Narrative

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

5. Attachments

• A line-item budget, expanding upon the summary categories found in the SF-424A.

Subgrantee budgets, if known at time of submission, should also be included as tabs

(please see template attached to NOFO).

• Key personnel position descriptions. Resumes are not required at this time. Instead, provide only the selection criteria your program will apply throughout the grant period of performance when filling key positions.

• 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, include your latest NICRA as a PDF file.

• Official permission letters, if required for program activities.

Successful applicant(s) may be required to submit the following documents prior to award.

Please do not include any of these documents in your application.

Organizational Policies o Personnel Policy o Employee Handbook o Travel Polices o Procurement Polices o Sub-Award Manual o Sample Sub-Award Agreement (if applicable

Financial Management Policies/ SOP o Completion of the Financial Management Survey

E. Submission Requirements and Deadlines

1. Address to Request Application Package

Application forms required above are available at https://www.grants.gov/forms/.

2. Department of State Contacts

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

Solicitation@state.gov.

For assistance with MyGrants accounts and technical issues related to the system, please contact the ILMS help desk by phone at +1 (888) 313-4567 (toll charges apply for international callers) or through the Self Service online portal that can be accessed from https://afsitsm.servicenowservices.com/ilms. Customer support is available 24/7.

https://afsitsm.servicenowservices.com/ilms

For assistance with Grants.gov accounts and technical issues related to using the system, please call the Contact Center at +1 (800) 518-4726 or email support@grants.gov. The Contact Center is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, except federal holidays

3. Unique entity identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov)

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 in 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. An applicant must maintain an active registration while it has a proposal under review by the Department and must continue to keep the registration active for the entire duration of the period of performance of any Federal award that results from this

NOFO.

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

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 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 prior to registering in SAM.gov.

• 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 to apply for non-DoD foreign assistance funding opportunities. If an applicant organization is mid-registration and wishes to remove an 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 an 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.

mailto:support@grants.gov 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):

NCAGE Code Request Tool (nato.int)

Exemptions

An exemption from the UEI and sam.gov registration requirements may be permitted on a case-by-case basis. See 2 CFR 25.110 for a full list of exemptions.

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 Dates and Times

Applications are due no later than August 31, 2026 at 11:59pm (EST)

5. Funding Restrictions

i. 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).

ii. Certification Regarding Compliance with applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws

If the place of performance or delivery of any award made under this NOFO will be within the United States, applicants are advised that they will be required to certify the following at the time of award:

1) Its compliance in all respects with all applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws is material to the government’s payment decisions for purposes of section 3729(b)(4) of title 31, United States Code and;

2) It does not operate any programs promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion that violate any applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws. A program promoting

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion means a program whose purpose is to promote 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 https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/Codification/CageTool/home https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25/subpart-A/section-25.110 preferences based on race, color religion, sex, or national origins, such as in training or hiring.

iii. Certification Regarding Compliance with 20 U.S.C. 1011f and any other applicable foreign funding disclosure requirements.

Applicants are advised that IHEs must certify the following at the time of award, and that this certification requirement must be included in any subaward agreements to IHEs:

1) Its compliance in all respects with section 1011f of title 20, United States

Code, and any other applicable foreign funding disclosure requirements is material for purposes of section 3729 of title 31, United States Code, and for receipt of appropriate Federal grant funds.

iv. Certification of Trafficking in Persons Compliance and Compliance Plan

Applicants are advised that they will be required to certify the following at the time of award for awards where the estimated value of services to be performed outside the

United States exceeds $500,000:

1) To the best of the Recipient’s knowledge, neither the Recipient, nor any subrecipient, contractor, or subcontractor of the Recipient or any agent of the recipient or of such a subrecipient, contractor, or subcontractor, is engaged in any of the activities described in 2 CFR 175.105(a);

The recipient has implemented a Trafficking in Persons compliance plan to prevent activities described in 2 CFR 175(a) and is compliant with this plan; and the compliance plan must follow the minimum requirements described in 2 CFR 175(b)(5).

2) That the Recipient has and will implement procedures to prevent activities described in 2 CFR 175.105(a) and to monitor, detect, and terminate any subrecipient, contractor, subcontractor, or employee of the recipient engaging in these activities.

Recipients do not need to submit a copy of the plan. However, they must provide it to the Grants Officer upon request, and as appropriate, must post the useful and relevant contents of the plan or related materials on their website and at the workplace. Recipients must re-certify on an annual basis for the entire award period of performance.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-175

v. Prohibition on Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). If your project involves the purchase or use of an UAS, see this link for requirements and information you must include in your application.

vi. Promoting Human Flourishing in Foreign Assistance (PHFFA)

Applicants for foreign assistance awards should be aware of requirements in 2 CFR Part

602, 603, and 604.

These policies are referred to collectively as the Promoting Human Flourishing in

Foreign Assistance (PHFFA) Policy.

602: The award term imposes certain abortion-related requirements on foreign nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), United States NGOs, public international organizations, foreign governments, and parastatals.

603: The award term imposes certain requirements relating to gender ideology on foreign nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), United States NGOs, international organizations, foreign governments, and parastatals.

604: The award term imposes certain requirements relating to discriminatory equity ideology on foreign nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), United States NGOs, international organizations, foreign governments, and parastatals.

The Department recognizes there are costs associated with these policies. Potential one-time and recurring costs the Department identifies for recipients and grantees are for familiarization with the policy, development and delivery of organizational training and implementation guidance, routine compliance monitoring, and recordkeeping and reporting requirements.

6. Other Submission Requirements

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

MyGrants. DRL is not responsible for disqualification due to applicants not being registered before the due date, system or technical errors in MyGrants or Grants.gov, or other errors in the application process.

Applicants must save a screenshot of the checklist showing all documents submitted in case any document fails to upload successfully.

DRL encourages organizations to submit applications during normal business hours

(Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM ET). If an applicant experiences technical difficulties and has contacted the appropriate help desk but is not receiving timely assistance (e.g., no response within 48 hours), they may contact the DRL point of contact listed in the NOFO in

Section E.2. The point of contact may assist in contacting the appropriate help desk.

https://www.state.gov/federal-assistance-policies-appeals/ https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/27/2026-01519/protecting-life-in-foreign-assistance https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/27/2026-01516/combating-gender-ideology-in-foreign-assistance https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/27/2026-01517/combating-discriminatory-equity-ideology-in-foreign-assistance-rules https://www.grants.gov/

F. Application Review Information

1. Review Criteria

Each application will be evaluated and rated based on 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. The proposal does not include any activities contrary to any standing

Executive Orders. For a full list, see https://www.federalregister.gov/.

Organizational Capacity and Record on Previous Grants: The organization has expertise in its stated field and has the internal controls in place to manage federal funds. This includes a financial management system and a bank account. If sub-awards are proposed, applicant demonstrates experience managing subawards.

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.

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.

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.

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

2. Indirect Costs

If two or more applications receive equivalent scores based on the evaluation criteria outlined in this NOFO, preference will be given to the applicant with the lower indirect cost rate, as consistent with Executive Order 14332, Section 4(b)(iii). This preference will only be applied as a tie-breaking mechanism and does not supersede the primary evaluation criteria.

3. Review and Selection Process

A review committee will evaluate all eligible applications.

https://www.federalregister.gov/

4. Risk Review

i. Risk factors

Under the merit review as required by 2 CFR 200.206, prior to making a Federal Award the

Department will review and consider the following risk factors:

a. Financial stability

b. Management systems and standards

c. History of performance

d. Audit reports and findings

e. Ability to effectively implement requirements

ii. Responsibility/Qualification Information in SAM.gov

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 U.S. government designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM.gov (see 41 U.S.C. 2313)

An applicant can review and comment on any information in the responsibility/qualification records available in SAM.gov.

Before making decisions in the risk review required by 2 CFR 200.206, the Department will consider any comments by the applicant, along with information available in the responsibility/qualification records in SAM.gov.

G. Award Notices

The award or cooperative agreement will be written, signed, awarded, and administered by the

Grants Officer. The award agreement is the authorizing document, and it will be provided to the recipient for review and countersignature. The recipient may only start incurring project expenses beginning on the start date shown on the 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.

Unsuccessful applicants: Unsuccessful applicants will be notified by October 15, 2026 via email or MyGrants.

Payment Method: Payments under this award will be made through the U.S. Department of

Health and Human Services (HHS) Payment Management System (PMS). Recipients may not draw down funds without the affirmative authorization of the Department of State. In addition, recipients must submit, with each PMS payment request, a detailed explanation justifying the request.

H. Post-Award Requirements and Administration

1. 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:

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:

• Guidance for Grants and Agreements in Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations (2 CFR), as updated in the Federal Register’s 89 FR 30046 on April 22, 2024, particularly on:

o Selecting recipients most likely to be successful in delivering results based on the program objectives through an impartial process of evaluating Federal award applications (2 CFR part 200.205), 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 pursuant to the U.S. Department of State Standard Terms and Conditions, including, to the greatest extent authorized by law, if an award no longer effectuates the program goals or agency priorities (2 CFR part 200.340).

For the avoidance of doubt, the Department has sole discretion over the determination that an award no longer effectuates program goals or agency priorities, and this provision permits awards to be terminated at the Department’s convenience, including when it determines that the award no longer advances the national interest.

• 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)

https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=81a5f41de81c46a9844617d93a9db081&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=81a5f41de81c46a9844617d93a9db081&mc=true&node=pt2.1.25&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=81a5f41de81c46a9844617d93a9db081&mc=true&node=pt2.1.170&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=81a5f41de81c46a9844617d93a9db081&mc=true&node=pt2.1.170&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=81a5f41de81c46a9844617d93a9db081&mc=true&node=pt2.1.175&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=81a5f41de81c46a9844617d93a9db081&mc=true&node=pt2.1.182&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=81a5f41de81c46a9844617d93a9db081&mc=true&node=pt2.1.182&rgn=div5

• 2 CFR 183 - NEVER CONTRACT WITH THE ENEMY

• 2 CFR 600 – DEPARTMENT OF STATE REQUIREMENTS

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

Recipients must comply with all applicable Executive Orders A searchable list can be found in the Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/

2. Reporting

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

Foreign Assistance Data Review: As required by Congress, the Department of State must make progress in its efforts to improve tracking and reporting of foreign assistance data through the Foreign Assistance Data Review (FADR). The FADR requires tracking of foreign assistance activity data from budgeting, planning, and allocation through obligation and disbursement. Successful applicants will be required to report and draw down federal funding based on the appropriate FADR Data Elements, indicated within their award documentation. In cases of more than one FADR Data Element, typically program or sector and/or regions or country, the successful applicant will be required to maintain separate accounting records.

Applicants should be aware of the post award reporting requirements reflected in 2 CFR 200

Appendix XII—Award Term and Condition for Recipient Integrity and Performance Matters.

3. Branding and Marking

The Department of State, its programs, and U.S. Government funding and assistance should be easily identifiable to the Department's global audiences.

Recipients of federal assistance awards must follow the branding guidance published at

Guidance for Contracts and Grants - U.S. Department of State Brand System. Branding policy exceptions are outlined in the U.S. Department of State Foreign Affairs Manual 10 FAM 416, Policy Exceptions.

While the Department of State Standard Terms and Conditions for Federal Awards requires that materials produced under a federal award be marked appropriately to acknowledge the support of the U.S. Department of State, the Department of State may determine that for the purposes of this award, the recipient would not be required to publicly display Department of

State and/or U.S. government branding and marketing for materials produced under this award, nor insert the disclaimers required in the Standard Terms and Conditions. This will be confirmed by the Grants Officer at the award stage.

For more information, visit: https://brand.america.gov/ https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=81a5f41de81c46a9844617d93a9db081&mc=true&node=pt2.1.183&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=81a5f41de81c46a9844617d93a9db081&mc=true&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2chapterVI.tpl https://www.state.gov/federal-assistance-policies-appeals https://www.federalregister.gov/ https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/retrieveECFR?gp=&SID=027fb85899500d580fc71df69d11573a&mc=true&n=pt2.1.200&r=PART&ty=HTML%20-%20ap2.1.200_1521.i#ap2.1.200_1521.xii https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/retrieveECFR?gp=&SID=027fb85899500d580fc71df69d11573a&mc=true&n=pt2.1.200&r=PART&ty=HTML%20-%20ap2.1.200_1521.i#ap2.1.200_1521.xii https://brand.america.gov/document/547370#/-/guidance-for-contracts-and-grants https://fam.state.gov/fam/10fam/10fam0410.html https://fam.state.gov/fam/10fam/10fam0410.html https://brand.america.gov/

I. Other Information

Guidelines for Budget Justification

Personnel and Fringe Benefits: Describe the wages, salaries, and benefits of temporary or permanent staff who will be working directly for the applicant on the 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 $10,000 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 $10,000 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 15% of Modified Total Direct Costs as defined in 2 CFR 200.1.

“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.

I. Other Information