Notice of Funding Opportunity - Strengthening Inclusive Small Business Growth in Central America (002).pdf

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs

Office of Policy Planning Coordination (WHA/PPC) Notice of Funding Opportunity

Announcement Type: New Funding Opportunity Title: Strengthening Inclusive Small Business Growth in Central

America Funding Opportunity Number: SFOP0010258 Funding Type: Discretionary Assistance Listing Number: 19.750 Funding Amount: $1,677,050 U.S. Dollars Funding Activity Category: Employment, Labor, and Training Funding Authority: Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 as amended

Issuance Date: February 20, 2024

Deadline for Receipt of Questions: March 22, 2024

Deadline for Submission of Applications: April 19, 2024

Assistance Type: Cooperative Agreement Application Submission: Application must be submitted through grants.gov Electronic Requirement: Yes Eligibility Category: U.S. Non-profit/non-governmental organizations (NGOs) having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS or overseas-based NGOs, institutions of higher education, U.S. based Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) or associations, and public international organizations (PIOs). Locally based NGOs are strongly encouraged to apply.

Est. Project Start Date: August 19, 2024 Est. Project End Date: August 19, 2027 Award Ceiling: $1,677,050 U.S. Dollars Expected # of Awards Funded: 1 Cost Sharing Requirement: Not required but encouraged Type of Applicant: Organizations only (individuals are not eligible to apply) Number of Applications: One (1) per applicant organization(s) https://www.grants.gov/

Executive Summary

The U.S. Department of State (DoS) announces a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to strengthen the economic resilience of Central American countries with up to $1,677,050 in Fiscal Year 2023 Economic Support Funds (ESF) for a project period between 24 to 36 months.

The anticipated start date for this activity is August 19, 2024. Subject to the availability of funds, the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs Office of Policy Planning and Coordination (WHA/PPC) at DOS intends to issue an award for $1,677,050. Applications are due on or before April 19, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (Washington, D.C.)

The successful project proposal will support and train Small Business Development Centers

(SBDCs) to become accredited, sustainable, and better able to build the capacity of local small businesses to enter larger markets. Strong SBDCs help build small businesses, promote economic growth, and will help create economically resilient communities in Central America, thereby addressing economic factors contributing to irregular migration to the United States.

To achieve sustainability and accreditation for SBDCs, this project will need to strengthen the

SBDC network in Central America. This involves collaborating with established, sustainable, and accredited SBDCs from countries such as Brazil, Chile, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, the United States (U.S.), and/or other sustainable SBDCs within Central America. These partnerships will facilitate the sharing of resources and technical expertise.

Additionally, the successful applicant would provide comprehensive training and advisory programs, including “train the trainer” sessions, for SBDCs. It will consider local context and market dynamics, connecting SBDCs with U.S. American Chambers of Commerce (AmChams) and export advisors. This connection will help small businesses expand their trading capacity and explore potential markets and business opportunities.

This project contributes to Bureau objectives, Root Causes Strategy (RCS) Pillar 1, the

Collaborative Migration Management Strategy (CMMS), and the Los Angeles Declaration on

Migration and Protection.

Specific objectives and indicators should be included in the proposals that allow the organization to measure and demonstrate progress. Funding awarded under this NOFO cannot be used for law enforcement, military forces, or training for police or military.

WHA/PPC reserves the right to fund any or none of the applications submitted and will determine the resulting level of funding for each award. The authority for this NOFO is found in the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended.

Eligible organizations interested in applying are encouraged to read this NOFO thoroughly to understand the scope of eligible projects, the application submission requirements, and the review process.

For more information, please contact:

WHA/PPC; email: WHAGrants@state.gov mailto:WHAGrants@state.gov

Notice of Funding Opportunity The WHA/PPC of DOS is seeking applications from NGOs, PIOs, U.S. based SBDCs, Educational Institutions, and other qualified organizations for a cooperative agreement to implement a program entitled Supporting Inclusive Small Business Growth in Central America. The authority for this NOFO is found in the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended.

Eligible applicants must be independent entities and should not be financially supported by the central governments of the respective countries. Funding for this project is intended to support non-governmental entities and should not directly benefit central governments.

In this announcement, we seek to support activities in the following countries: Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Panama. Please note: Applications that focus on activities in countries and territories other than those listed will NOT be considered.

Subject to the availability of funds, WHA/PPC intends to issue an award in an amount not to exceed $1,677,050 in total funding. The U.S. dollar amount will be funded from WHA/PPC FY2023 ESF allocated funds, for a project period of between 24 to 36 months. The anticipated start date for this activity is August 19, 2024. Contingent upon the availability of funds and quality of proposals, as many as one award may be granted based on this NOFO. WHA/PPC reserves the right to fund any or none of the applications submitted and will determine the resulting level of funding for each award.

To be eligible for an award, the applicant must submit all required information in its application through http://www.grants.gov, including the requirements found in any attachments to this opportunity. This NOFO consists of this cover letter plus the following sections:

1. Section A – Program Description and Funding Opportunity

2. Section B – Federal Award Information

3. Section C – Eligibility Information

4. Section D – Application and Submission Information

5. Section E – Application Review Information

6. Section F – Federal Award Administration Information

7. Section G – Federal Awarding Agency Contact

8. Section H – Other Information

This funding opportunity is posted on http://www.grants.gov and may be amended. See Section D for further details. Potential applicants should regularly check the website to ensure they have the latest information pertaining to this NOFO. Applicants will need to have available or download the Adobe software program to their computers to view and save the Adobe forms properly. If organizations have difficulty registering on http://www.grants.gov or accessing the NOFO, please contact the Grants.gov Helpdesk at 1-800-518-4726 or via email at support@grants.gov for technical assistance or email WHAGrants@state.gov or whitebj2@state.gov for difficulty accessing the NOFO.

It is the responsibility of the recipient of this NOFO document to ensure that it has been received by http://www.grants.gov in its entirety. WHA/PPC bears no responsibility for data errors resulting from transmission or conversion processes associated with electronic submissions. The deadline to submit applications is April 19, 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (Washington, D.C.)

Please submit any questions concerning this NOFO in writing to WHAGrants@State.gov. The deadline for submission of questions about this NOFO is March 22, 2024. Responses to questions will be made available to all potential applicants through an amendment to this NOFO that will be posted on http://www.grants.gov.

Issuance of this NOFO does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the U.S.

Government (USG), nor does it commit the USG to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of an application. In addition, final award of any resultant grant agreement cannot be made until funds have been fully appropriated, allocated, and committed through internal WHA/PPC procedures. While it is anticipated that these procedures will be successfully completed, potential applicants are hereby notified of these requirements and conditions for award and all preparation and submission costs are at the applicant’s expense.

http://www.grants.gov/

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The WHA/PPC of the DoS announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to support SBDCs to be accredited, sustainable, and better able to build the capacity of local small businesses, including to enter larger markets. Strengthening the capacity of SBDCs in Central America will enhance the economic resilience of local communities, foster small business development, and promote regional economic stability.

A.1 Background SBDCs in Central America face sustainability and effectiveness challenges. One significant issue is the absence of standardized accreditation processes for SBDCs in the region, which ensures consistent quality in small business training and development across all centers. The lack of accreditation also hinders local SBDCs in justifying their eligibility for funding from their respective governments, further complicating their sustainability efforts.

SBDCs in Central America face a series of interconnected challenges. They lack robust regional networks, associations at the national level, and connections with SBDC networks in United

States, Central America, Caribbean, and South America. The lack of connectivity limits their access to resources and expertise, hindering their ability to be sustainable, productive, and impactful.

In addition to these structural issues, SBDCs require critical training and advisory support to enhance their effectiveness. Similarly, small businesses in the region lack opportunities to connect with organizations like AmChams and lack access to training on markets expansion and entering international supply chains.

Additionally, the United States faces historic irregular migration as Central Americans leave their homelands for the United States. With a lack of opportunities for employment, including through small businesses, migrants struggle to find the resources to sustain themselves, creating a push factor for migrants to continue migrating to the United States. Strengthened

SBDCs throughout the region can serve as a catalyst for improving local economic conditions so vulnerable populations migrating irregularly can be integrated into Central American countries.

This selected project proposal will support the RCS Pillar 1 and contribute to the desired end state of the RCS by providing “A democratic, prosperous, and safe Central America, where people advance economically, live, work, and learn in safety and dignity, contribute to and benefit from the democratic process, have confidence in public institutions, and enjoy opportunities to create futures for themselves and their families at home” and the end state outlined by the Collaborative Migration Management Strategy (CMMS): “...that migration within and through Mexico and Central America would be by choice, and that fewer people would feel compelled to make that choice.”

Priority Region: The priority region for this cooperative agreement is Central America, with the following countries included: Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and

Panama. While not project beneficiaries, SBDCs in Brazil, Chile, Colombia, the Dominican

Republic, Mexico, and/or the U.S. can be sought as partners in assisting project activities.

A2. Program Goal and Objectives

Program Goal:

The goal of this project is to strengthen, accredit, and make SBDCs in Central America sustainable in order to enhance local economies, foster small business development, and promote inclusive economic stability.

Program Objectives:

As applicable, proposals should specify the expected results and outcomes from projects benefitting from these funds. All proposals should state clear objectives and show plans to measure project performance and contributions through specific indicators which demonstrate progress to meeting those objectives. Proposals should emphasize their alignment with the USG’s comprehensive approach to addressing migration in the region by creating more economically resilient communities through SBDC training and accreditation. Proposals should also consider how to engage with members of historically marginalized communities including migrants, women, people of African descent, LGBTQI+ persons, Indigenous populations, and persons with disabilities in order to carry out the program objectives.

Ideal projects will focus on one or more of the following objectives:

Objective 1: Provide training and support to help SBDCs become accredited, self-sustaining, and able to help build the capacity of small businesses, including how SBDCs can be more inclusive of members of historically marginalized communities, including migrants, women, people of African descent, LGBTQI+ persons, Indigenous populations, and persons with disabilities.

Activity 1: Design a program for non-accredited and/or struggling Central American SBDCs to receive training and guided support on how to be self-sustaining, and, through program completion, become accredited SBDCs.

Activity 2: Identify SBDCs to participate in the program and conduct an assessment of participant SBDCs to determine what each needs to achieve accreditation standards.

a. In El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, funding shall not benefit the central governments.

Objective 2: Increase the trade capacity of small businesses by connecting SBDCs with AmChams and export advisors who can provide expertise and access to markets and other opportunities for import and export of goods not currently utilized at the local, national, and regional levels.

Activity 1: Introduce participating SBDCs to AmChams and their member companies and combine efforts to incorporate small businesses into international markets and internal country supply chains.

Activity 2: Work with the AmChams and their member companies, and SBDCs on developing small business training curriculum to help small businesses meet quality standards for their products to be purchased by international supply chains.

Objective 3: Expand SBDC networks through sister center partnerships between successful

SBDCs, such as those in Brazil, Chile, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and/or the

United States, with Central American SBDCs so resources and expertise can be exchanged between the centers.

Activity 1: Expand South-South SBDC online networks to connect Central American SBDCs and other successful SBDCs from Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Mexico, and/or the United States.

Activity 2: Create forums (e.g. summits, webinars, etc.) for SBDCs to meet and share expertise and resources, including participation from successful SBDCs from Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Mexico, and/or the United States.

Objective 4: Assist SBDC efforts to integrate small businesses into local and regional supply chains, expanding the trade capacity of local businesses and enabling them to engage in buyer/supplier networks.

Activity 1: Evaluate participant SBDCs to determine how SBDCs could better support small businesses as they seek to enter local and regional supply chains, and in which economic sectors businesses should focus their efforts; incorporate findings upon completion.

Activity 2: Help SBDCs engage small businesses on entering buyer/supplier networks to bolster business trade capacity.

Objective 5: Strengthen local economies by supporting SBDC efforts to build business to business connections and strengthen the capacity of small businesses, including where possible to employ migrants and vulnerable populations.

Activity 1: Provide technical assistance on facilitating business to business partnerships between countries.

Activity 2: Work with SBDCs to help small businesses expand their hiring capacity.

Project Design:

To ensure the long-term sustainability of SBDCs, this project will conduct training workshops focused on best practices, establish networks for resource and expertise sharing to reduce costs, and conduct a thorough needs assessment of each participating SBDC's business model to identify and address weaknesses. Furthermore, the project will provide comprehensive

"train the trainer" programs and advisory services tailored to the local context and markets.

To facilitate the development of self-sustaining and accredited SBDC institutions and enhance their eligibility for government support, this project will fortify the SBDC network in Central

America by partnering and expanding SBDC networks with established, sustainable, and accredited SBDCs in Brazil, Chile, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, the United States and/or other SBDCs within the Central American region. This program will foster the exchange of expertise and resources, as without such support, existing SBDCs in Central America may struggle to achieve self-sustainability and to access crucial network support from regional counterparts.

This project takes a new approach by connecting AmChams and export advisors with SBDCs to enable small businesses to expand their trade capacity, explore potential markets and business opportunities, and help support trade capacity building between U.S. and Central American small businesses. The AmChams can also help facilitate connections between Central American

SBDCs, small businesses, and larger U.S. business supply chains and show what quality standards these small businesses need to meet for their products to be purchased by these supply chains. By connecting SBDCs to AmChams and export experts, SBDCs will be able to adjust their business model to address industries relevant to local small businesses.

This project will help the USG address comprehensive migration management by strengthening and improving the economic conditions of the communities.

CROSS-CUTTING AND ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES

Utilize Local Resources and Expertise Local-based projects that prioritize community interaction and engagement with local civic and government leadership historically have had the best chances of success. Proposals that include the utilization of local resources and expertise are highly encouraged. Partnerships between civil society organizations can also increase the likelihood of sustainable impacts.

International applicants must include collaboration with domestic organizations and institutions.

A3. Expected Results

By the end of the project, grantees should demonstrate that the project has accomplished the following results.

Objective 1 - SBDC Support & Accreditation: SBDCs are accredited and sustainable throughout the targeted countries in Central America.

Objective 2 - SBDC & AmCham Connections: SBDCs have incorporated AmChams’ opportunities to access markets and trade opportunities where possible.

Objective 3 - SBDC Network and Partnerships: SBDCs gained access to a wealth of resources, expertise, and best practices, enhancing their capacity to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). SBDCs foster sustainable partnerships, and ultimately drive economic growth and development in the region.

Objective 4 - Integrate Small Businesses into Regional Supply Chains: SBDCs have enhanced their assistance to small businesses so they meet necessary standards to be integrated into local and regional supply chains.

Objective 5 - Business to Business Connections: SBDCs foster business-to-business connections and enhance small businesses' capacity to strengthen economic landscape with increased collaboration, job creation, and improved livelihoods for marginalized communities, contributing to sustainable economic development and social inclusion.

A4. Desired Results and Required Outcome Indicators:

The applicant will develop a project-level Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP) (see Tab B) with annual and end-of-project targets and results anticipated for key performance indicators. The following tables show examples of indicators that will be measured, as well as illustrative targets, upon which the recipient will be responsible for monitoring and reporting during and after the project. In addition, WHA/PPC will regularly monitor each project’s performance to assess whether project activities are on track and targets are being achieved.

Activities must include at least a partial focus on activities to indirectly address irregular migration.

Project feasibility, potential impact, and performance will be assessed based on potential outcomes. Outcomes are changes that take place because of your organization’s work – the differences that will have been made by delivering your objectives and achieving your outputs.

For example, an outcome could be increased rates of a vulnerable population successfully accessing government services, improved productivity of government workers in targeted agencies, or new policies/procedures instituted within your partner government agency.

Required outcome and output indicators for the projects are provided below. The applicants are expected to identify targets for these indicators based on what can be reasonably achieved within the performance period of the project and based on the expected overall project results described above.

Required Outcome Indicators Required targets:

Trade capacity has been strengthened in Central American small businesses at the local, national, and regional levels and between United States and Central America.

(Determined by applicants)

Local economies become more sustainable and resilient against irregular migration because of the expanded employment opportunities for migrants and prosperous small businesses supported by SBDC training.

(Determined by applicants)

SBDCs implement training and advising provided from project activities to help small businesses engage in trade opportunities and maintain sustainability through best practices.

(Determined by applicants)

The quality of full-time employment for small businesses is improved.

(Determined by applicants)

SBDCs integrate small businesses into country internal supply chains.

(Determined by applicants)

Required Output Indicators: Required targets:

GNDR-2 Percentage of female participants in USG-assisted programs designed to increase access to productive economic resources (assets, credit, income or employment.)

(Determined by applicants, with a minimum of 50% of participants are female and 30% of small businesses are women owned.)

EG. 5.2-2 Number of private sector firms that have improved management practices or technologies as a result of USG assistance.

(Determined by applicants)

EG. 6-12 Percent of individuals with new employment following participation in USG assisted workforce development programs.

(Determined by applicants)

EG. 6-15 Percent of individuals with better employment following participation in USG assisted workforce development programs.

Illustrative Outcome and Output Indicators

Illustrative output and outcome indicators for funded projects are provided below. Outputs are the results of what your organization does. For example, the number of participants who successfully complete a job-training course or received job placement through your activities are outputs. Below are examples of required output indicators.

Example Outcome Indicators Required targets:

(Sample) Number of civil society organizations strengthened to promote policy dialogue, advocate for change and/or serve as watchdogs on key issues. (Program officer needs to select indicators for each NOFO)

(Determined by applicants)

(Sample) Number of civil society organizations receiving USG assistance engaged in advocacy interventions.

Example Output Indicators: Required targets:

(Sample) Platforms developed to facilitate public requests for services.

(Determined by applicants)

(Sample) Women that attend weekly individual counseling sessions.

(Determined by applicants)

The applicant should provide output and outcome indicators in addition to the required indicators listed above. Any data collection focused on individuals should be reported by gender, if possible.

The grantee will be required to collect baseline data for all the Performance Monitoring and Evaluation indicators during the first year of the project. In addition, certain terms included in the outcomes and indicators will need to be defined at the very beginning of the project so that it is possible to measure the change during and at the end of the project. Examples of such are “capacity,” “spread effect,” etc. Baseline information will be critical for both monitoring and evaluation of project progress and results.

Participants and Audiences:

The target population for the project activities should be SBDCs which are not accredited and are not owned by the central government or its universities in Norther Central American countries. The target population also includes small businesses, including those owned by migrants and vulnerable populations.

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

B1. Available Funding This notice is subject to availability of funding. Overall grant making authority for this program is contained in the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 as amended, (Economic Support Funds) and several funding restrictions apply, to include country-applicant restrictions.

The DoS reserves the right to fund any or none of the proposals submitted and reserves the right to reduce, revise, or increase the budget in accordance with the needs of the project and the availability of funds.

The DoS may consider continuing the program funded under this award beyond the initial period of performance 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 DoS and USG.

Pursuant to 2 CFR 200.400g, it is DoS policy not to award profit under assistance instruments.

All reasonable, allocable, and allowable expenses, however, both direct and indirect, which are related to the agreement project and are in accordance with applicable cost standards (2 CFR 200 for U.S. and overseas-based non-profit organizations and universities; and the Mandatory Standard Provision “Allowable Costs (2 CFR 200.403)” for public international organizations), may be paid under the grant agreement.

Note: Non-U.S.-based nonprofit organizations are legally required to comply with the 2 CFR 200.

B2. Management The successful applicant will need to routinely collaborate with WHA/PPC through regular meetings and conference calls to discuss progress, challenges, emerging topics, etc.

The successful applicant must ensure that all funds are used in a manner consistent with any applicable restrictions on funding. See D5 below for funding restrictions.

Section C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION

C1. Eligible Applicants

Eligible Entities: Applicants who are eligible to apply are U.S. non-profit/ NGOs having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS or overseas-based NGOs, institutions of higher education, and international public organizations (IPOs) and other qualified organizations that are able to respond to the NOFO and be able to mobilize in a short period of time. NGOs are highly encouraged to apply.

To be eligible for a grant award, in addition to other conditions of this NOFO, organizations must have a commitment to non-discrimination with respect to beneficiaries and adherence to equal opportunity employment practices. Non-discrimination includes equal treatment without regard to race, religion, ethnicity, gender, and political affiliation.

Applicants are reminded that U.S. Executive Orders and U.S. law prohibits transactions with, and the provision of resources and support to, individuals and organizations associated with terrorism. It is the legal responsibility of the recipient to ensure compliance with these Executive Orders and laws. This provision must be included in any sub-awards issued under this grant award.

The DoS will issue an award to the Applicant whose application represents the best value to the USG based on technical merit, efficient use of USG funds, and satisfactory organizational capacity. The DoS reserves the right to make an award based on the initial application received with or without discussion or negotiations.

WHA/PPC encourages applications from potential new partners.

C2. Cost Sharing or Matching

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

Cost-sharing is not required. Providing cost-sharing, matching, or cost participation is not an eligibility requirement for this funding opportunity and will not be factored in during the merit review of proposals.

Note: If cost-share is included in the budget, the applicant must maintain written records to support all allowable costs that are claimed as its contribution to cost-share, as well as costs to be paid by the Federal government. Such records are subject to audit. In the event the applicant does not meet the minimum amount of cost-sharing as stipulated in the applicant’s budget, DOS contribution.

C3. Other Eligibility Requirements

Applicants listed on the Excluded Parties List System (EPLS) in the System for Award Management (SAM) are not eligible to apply for an assistance award in accordance with the OMB guidelines at 2 CFR 180 that implement Executive Orders 12549 (3 CFR, 1986 Comp., p.

189) and 12689 (3 CFR, 1989 Comp., p. 235), “Debarment and Suspension.” Additionally, no entity listed on the EPLS can participate in any activities under an award. All applicants are strongly encouraged to review the EPLS in SAM to ensure that no ineligible entity is included.

Organizations must have a commitment to equal opportunity employment practices and to non-discrimination practices regarding beneficiaries, without regard to race, religion, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or political affiliation.

Funding awarded under this NOFO cannot be used for law enforcement or to train members of law enforcement.

Organizations may only submit one application per organization. If more than one application is submitted by an organization, only the first application received will be reviewed for eligibility and funding.

Section D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

D1. Address to Request Application Package

Applicants can find application forms on www.grants.gov under the announcement title and funding opportunity number provided above.

Once the NOFO deadline has passed, DOS may not discuss this competition with any applicant until the proposal review process has been completed.

D2. Content and Form of Application Submission

Please follow both, the Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI) and the NOFO, to ensure that the proposal package submission is in full compliance with the requirements. Please follow the guidelines in the attached PSI for additional application submission instructions, including information on required documents and format. Proposal submissions that do not meet all the requirements outlined in this NOFO and the associated PSI will not be considered.

Any prospective applicant who has questions concerning the contents of this NOFO should submit them by email to the contacts listed in Section G. Please refer to the funding opportunity number and title. Any updates about this NOFO will also be posted on www.grants.gov.

D3. 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 with the SAM.gov (this is an official USG website and there is no cost to use this site). 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.

http://www.grants.gov/

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.

Organizations based outside of the United States and that DoS plan to do business with the DoD in addition to DoS 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):

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 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

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.

D4. Submission Dates and Times

Applicants are urged to begin the application process well before the submission deadline as stated on page 3. No exceptions will be made for organizations that have not completed the necessary steps. Grants.gov automatically log the date and time an application submission is made, and the DOS will use this information to determine whether an application has been submitted on time. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

D5. Restrictions

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

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

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

• Projects seeking funds for personal use;

• Administration of a project that will make a profit;

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

• Projects designed to advocate policy views or positions of foreign governments or

• views of a particular political faction;

• Alcoholic beverages;

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

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

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

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

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

USG.

D6. Other Submission Requirements

It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that it has an active registration in Grants.gov and that an application has been received by the system in its entirety. DOS bears no responsibility for disqualification that results from applicants not being registered before the due date or for data errors resulting from transmission or conversion processes.

Technical Format Requirements

For all application documents, please ensure:

1. All pages are numbered, including budgets and attachments,

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

3. All Microsoft Word documents are single-spaced, 12-point Calibri font, with a minimum of

1-inch margins.

Complete applications must include the following for proposal submissions:

1. Completed and signed SF-424, SF-424a [and SF424b,] submitted to Grants.gov, as well as, if applicable, your organization’s most recent audit.

2. Table of Contents (not to exceed one [1] page in Microsoft Word) that includes a page-numbered contents page, including any attachments.

3. Executive Summary (not to exceed two [2] pages in Microsoft Word) that includes:

a) The target country,

b) Name and contact information for the project’s main point of contact,

c) A statement of work or synopsis of the project, including a concise breakdown of the project’s objectives, activities, and expected results,

d) The total amount of funding requested and project length, and

e) A brief statement on how the project is innovative, sustainable, and will have a demonstrated impact.

5. Proposal Narrative (not to exceed ten [10] pages in Microsoft Word). Please note the ten-page limit does not include the Table of Contents, Executive Summary, Attachments, Detailed Budget, Budget Narrative, or NICRA. Applicants are encouraged to submit multiple documents in a single Microsoft Word, (i.e., Table of Contents, Executive Summary, Proposal Narrative, and Budget Narrative in one file).

6. Budget Narrative (preferably in Microsoft Word) that includes an explanation and justification for each line item in the detailed budget spreadsheet, as well as the source and a description of all cost share offered. For ease of review, WHA/PPC recommends applicants order the budget narrative as presented in the detailed budget. Project management and/or personnel costs should include a clarification of the roles and responsibilities of key staff and percentage of time devoted to the project. The budget narrative should communicate to WHA/PPC any information that might not be readily apparent in the budget, not simply repeat with words what is stated numerically in the budget.

7. Detailed Line-Item Budget (preferably in Microsoft Excel) that includes three [3] columns including the request to WHA/PPC, any cost-sharing contribution (not required), and total budget (see below for more information on budget format). A summary budget should also be included using the OMB-approved budget categories (see SF-424 as a sample). Costs must be in U.S. dollars.

8. Attachments (not to exceed nine [9] pages total, preferably in Microsoft Word) that include the following in order:

a) Page 1-2: Project Monitoring Plan (see below for more information on this section).

b) Page 3: Roles and responsibilities of key project personnel with short bios that highlight relevant professional experience. This relates to the organization’s capacity. Given the limited space, CVs are not recommended for submission.

c) Page 4: Timeline of the overall proposal. Components should include activities, and project closeout.

d) Page 5: Gender Analysis: A gender analysis helps consider the different ways in which project activities might impact and be impacted by the community/country/region where the activities and participants are or will be. Guidance is provided in the PSI document. (TAB C)

e) Page 6-8: Additional optional attachments. Attachments may include further timeline information, letters of support, memoranda of understanding (MOU)/agreement, etc.

For applicants with a large number of letters/MOUs, it may be useful to provide a list of the organizations or government agencies that support the project rather than the actual documentation.

9. Applicants with a negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA) must include the latest NICRA as a .pdf file if including NICRA charges in the budget. This document will not be reviewed by the panelists, but rather used by WHA/PPC project and grant staff if the submission is recommended for funding and therefore does not count against the submission page limitations, as described above. If the applicant’s proposal involves sub-grants to organizations charging indirect costs, please submit the applicable NICRA also as a .pdf file (see below for more information on indirect cost rates). Applicants must specify if their organization instead elects to charge the de minimis rate of 10% of the modified total direct costs.

Note: WHA/PPC retains the right to request additional documentation for those items not included on this form.

Information on Standard Forms

Please see Tab D for instructions for completion of Standard Forms 424, 424A, and 424B.

Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 2 CFR 200 Organizations should be familiar with 2 CFR 200 on cost accounting principles. For a copy of the 2 CFR 200, please contact Government Publications or download from http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2cfr200_main_02.tpl. Non U.S.-based nonprofit organizations are legally required to comply with 2 CFR 200.

Audits

The recipient’s proposal should include the cost of an audit that:

1. Complies with the requirements of 2 CFR 200 Subpart F “Audit Requirements;”

2. Complies with the requirements of American Institute of Certified Public Accountants

(AICPA) Statement of Position (SOP) No. 92-9, "Audits of Not-for-Profit Organizations Receiving Federal Awards;"

3. Complies with AICPA Codification of Statements on Auditing Standards AU Section 551, "Reporting on Information Accompanying the Basic Financial Statements in Auditor- Submitted Documents," where applicable. When the DoS is the largest direct source of Federal financial assistance (i.e., the cognizant Federal Agency) and indirect costs are charged to Federal grants, a supplemental schedule of indirect cost computation is required;

4. A non-Federal entity that expends $750,000 or more during the non-Federal entity's fiscal year in Federal awards must have a single or program-specific audit conducted for that year in accordance with the provisions of 2 CFR 200 subpart F.

The audit costs shall be identified by 2 CFR 200.425.

Indirect Cost Rate http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2cfr200_main_02.tpl http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2cfr200_main_02.tpl

An organization with a negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA) negotiated with a cognizant Federal government agency other than the DoS must include a copy of the cost-rate agreement. Applicants should indicate in the proposal budget how the rate is applied and if any of the rate will be cost-shared. Per 2 CFR 200.414, any non-Federal entity that has never received a negotiated indirect cost rate, except for those non-Federal entities described in Appendix VII to Part 200—States and Local Government and Indian Tribe Indirect Cost Proposals, paragraph D.1.b, may elect to charge a de minimis rate of 10% of modified total direct costs (MTDC), which may be used indefinitely. As described in 2 CFR 200.403, factors affecting allowability of costs, costs must be consistently charged as either indirect or direct costs but may not be double charged or inconsistently charged as both. If chosen, this methodology once elected must be used consistently for all Federal awards until such time as a non-Federal entity chooses to negotiate for a rate, which the non-Federal entity may apply to do at any time.

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

Section E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

E1. Criteria

The DoS will issue an award to the applicant whose proposal represents the best value to the USG based on technical merit, efficient use of USG funds, and satisfactory organizational capacity. In addition, the organization must demonstrate adequate financial management capability to be measured by a responsibility determination.

Applications should contain the applicant’s best terms from both cost and technical standpoints. The implementing partners (sub-recipients) of the primary Recipient will be subject to DoS approval.

Eligible applications will be evaluated by an independent review panel consisting of subject matter experts from other DOS bureaus/or offices, U.S. Embassies, and/or other USG agencies.

Final approval resides with the DOS Grants Officer. The decision for the final eligibility and award determination rests with the Grants Officer.

The following criteria will serve as a standard, which all eligible applications will be evaluated against. Each eligible application will be evaluated and scored on the review criteria using a 100-point scale.

The review panel will apply the following criteria when rating proposals:

1. Quality and Feasibility of Project Idea (20 points)

• Responsive to the solicitation (4 points)

• Appropriate in the country/regional context (4)

• Exhibits originality, substance, and precision (4)

• Prioritizes innovation, but is feasible (4)

• In countries where similar activities are already taking place, provides an explanation as to how new activities will not duplicate or merely add to existing activities (4)

2. Organizational Capacity and Record of Performance (10 points):

• The proposal demonstrates an institutional record of successful programs in the proposed country, the content area (e.g., media, access to justice), or other (describe) (4)

• Personnel and institutional resources are adequate and appropriate to achieve the project's objectives (2)

• Roles, responsibilities, and brief…