Notice of Funding Opportunity - TFGBV Final.pdf

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA) Notice of Funding Opportunity:

Funding Opportunity Title: Empowering Women to Use the Internet Safely Through Prevention of Tech Facilitated Gender Based Violence (TFGBV) Funding Opportunity Number: DFOP0014384 Deadline for Applications: July 15, 2024 Assistance Listing Number: 19.108 Total Amount Available: $986,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA) announces an open competition for organizations to submit proposals seeking to empower women in digital safety and to prevent technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) through partnerships with national and local governments and civil society. The project must be carried out in at least two of the following countries: Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Bhutan.

This notice is subject to availability of funding.

Priority Region: South Asia

SCA recommends applicants submit proposals highlighting engagement with local, state, and national governments to prevent, protect, and/or take actions against TFGBV. Proposals should include engaging with local and national level governments and civil society organizations (CSOs), and meaningfully include TFGBV survivors, to focus on preventive tools. Applicants should include proposed activities, including training, advocacy, outreach, and collaboration with local, state, and national governments and CSOs. Applicants must propose amplifying multi-sectoral engagement and collaborative approaches to address TFGBV. The project should incorporate solutions and methodologies aligned with local social and cultural norms.

Program Description:

Per the 2022 U.S. Strategy to Prevent and Respond to GBV Globally1, the U.S. Government defines TFGBV as a threat or act of violence committed, assisted, aggravated, and amplified in part or fully by using information and communication technologies or digital media that is disproportionately targeted at women, girls, and gender non-conforming individuals. TFGBV is part of a continuum of multiple, recurring, and interrelated forms of gender-based violence that can take place both online and offline.

Examples include online harassment and abuse; non-consensual distribution of intimate digital images;

cyberstalking; sextortion; doxing (publishing private or identifying information); malicious deep fakes;

livestreamed sexual violence; rape and death threats; and intimate-partner violence. Some forms of TFGBV violate criminal and civil laws; others do not but are nonetheless harmful.

Prevalence of TFGBV is increasing in South Asia as it is in the rest of the world. The United States has committed to playing a critical role in preventing, mitigating, and responding to TFGBV for all those

1 https://www.state.gov/reports/united-states-strategy-to-prevent-and-respond-to-gender-based-violence-globally-2022/ https://www.state.gov/reports/united-states-strategy-to-prevent-and-respond-to-gender-based-violence-globally-2022/ https://www.state.gov/reports/united-states-strategy-to-prevent-and-respond-to-gender-based-violence-globally-2022/ affected by it. While technology is a critical and an unavoidable tool to enhance connectivity and narrow communication barriers, its misuse can lead to gender-based violence in the online space. The Economist Intelligence Unit found that 38 per cent of women globally have had personal experiences of online violence, and 85 per cent of women who spend time online have witnessed digital violence against other women.23

In South Asia, women are particularly susceptible to cybercrimes, including online harassment, cyber bullying, cyber stalking, and extortion. Entrenched social and gender norms and discriminatory attitudes increase the gender digital divide and decrease women’s digital literacy skills, thus heightening the vulnerability of women online.

According to the Institute of Development Studies, the most common forms of cyber related violence reported globally were misinformation and defamation (67 percent), cyber harassment (66 percent), hate speech (65 percent), impersonation (63 percent), hacking and stalking (63 percent), astroturfing (a coordinated effort to concurrently share damaging content across platforms, 58 percent), video and image-based abuse (57 percent), doxing (55 per cent), violent threats (52 percent), and unwanted images or sexually explicit content (43 percent).4

The project resulting from this NOFO will support implementation of the National Strategy on Gender Equity and Equality5 as well as the U.S. Women, Peace, and Security Act of 2017,6 the 2023 U.S. Strategy and National Action Plan on WPS,7 the 2022 U.S. Strategy to Prevent and Respond to GBV Globally,8 and the Global Partnership for Action on Gender-Based Online Harassment and Abuse.9 Annual funding for GBV projects implements the USG’s multi-year strategy to prevent and respond to gender-based violence in countries with conflict or non-conflict settings.

These policies encompass promoting digital inclusion, addressing TFGBV, and preventing, mitigating, and responding to all forms of gender-based violence which is a form of human rights abuse, discrimination, and manifestation of unequal power.

Program Objectives

3 https://www.unwomen.org/en/what-we-do/ending-violence-against-women/faqs/tech-facilitated-gender-based-violence 4 https://www.unwomen.org/en/what-we-do/ending-violence-against-women/faqs/tech-facilitated-gender-based-violence 5 https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/National-Strategy-on-Gender-Equity-and- Equality.pdf 6 https://www.congress.gov/115/plaws/publ68/PLAW-115publ68.pdf 7 https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/U.S.-Strategy-and-National-Action-Plan-on-Women- Peace-and-Security.pdf 8 https://www.state.gov/reports/united-states-strategy-to-prevent-and-respond-to-gender-based-violence-globally-2022/ 9 https://www.state.gov/2022-roadmap-for-the-global-partnership-for-action-on-gender-based-online-harassment-and-abuse/; https://www.state.gov/2023-roadmap-for-the-global-partnership-for-action-on-gender-based-online-harassment-and-abuse/; and https://techfordemocracy.dk/action-coalitions/action-on-gender-based-online-harassment-and-abuse/ https://onlineviolencewomen.eiu.com/ https://onlineviolencewomen.eiu.com/ https://www.unwomen.org/en/what-we-do/ending-violence-against-women/faqs/tech-facilitated-gender-based-violence https://www.unwomen.org/en/what-we-do/ending-violence-against-women/faqs/tech-facilitated-gender-based-violence https://www.unwomen.org/en/what-we-do/ending-violence-against-women/faqs/tech-facilitated-gender-based-violence https://www.unwomen.org/en/what-we-do/ending-violence-against-women/faqs/tech-facilitated-gender-based-violence https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/National-Strategy-on-Gender-Equity-and-Equality.pdf https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/National-Strategy-on-Gender-Equity-and-Equality.pdf https://www.congress.gov/115/plaws/publ68/PLAW-115publ68.pdf https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/U.S.-Strategy-and-National-Action-Plan-on-Women-Peace-and-Security.pdf https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/U.S.-Strategy-and-National-Action-Plan-on-Women-Peace-and-Security.pdf https://www.state.gov/reports/united-states-strategy-to-prevent-and-respond-to-gender-based-violence-globally-2022/ https://www.state.gov/reports/united-states-strategy-to-prevent-and-respond-to-gender-based-violence-globally-2022/ https://www.state.gov/2022-roadmap-for-the-global-partnership-for-action-on-gender-based-online-harassment-and-abuse/ https://www.state.gov/2022-roadmap-for-the-global-partnership-for-action-on-gender-based-online-harassment-and-abuse/ https://www.state.gov/2023-roadmap-for-the-global-partnership-for-action-on-gender-based-online-harassment-and-abuse/ https://www.state.gov/2023-roadmap-for-the-global-partnership-for-action-on-gender-based-online-harassment-and-abuse/ https://techfordemocracy.dk/action-coalitions/action-on-gender-based-online-harassment-and-abuse/ https://techfordemocracy.dk/action-coalitions/action-on-gender-based-online-harassment-and-abuse/

The key objectives of the project are to:

1) Create awareness among citizens – especially women, civil society organizations, and local, state, and national level governments, and other stakeholders – of the dangers of TFGBV;

2) Develop and make available tools to prevent TFGBV;

3) Include TFGBV survivors while determining preventive measures and tools.

Key approaches that could be adopted include capacity building, advocacy, partnering with civil society organizations, awareness campaigns, workshops, and community engagement with targeted stakeholders.

While TFGBV is a global challenge, it is critical to identify the context-specific issues and approaches for the South Asian region that will eliminate vulnerability, bring about positive change, and enhance the ability of women to use the internet safely.

The South and Central Asian Bureau (SCA) is committed to equality, equity, and respect for human rights.

SCA programs promote an inclusive environment, encouraging involvement, respect, and connection to facilitate diverse ideas from all. SCA programs prioritize social inclusion to give opportunities to the disadvantaged and give a voice to all sections of society to prevent discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender, class, religion, age, disability, and nationality, amongst others.

Activities

The implementer of this award will partner with local and national governments, alongside the survivors of TFGBV and civil society, to create awareness and to provide training and tools to empower women and girls to use the internet safely in the two countries in South Asia. The funds may focus on specific sub-regions in each country. If applicable, proposals should indicate specific regions in which the project will work or, if the specific regions will be determined after the award is made, the process for identifying them in coordination with SCA.

The implementer is expected to demonstrate the following in the application:

• Identify key factors contributing to the increase in TFGBV in each country or sub-national region of project implementation. SCA welcomes proposals that rely on existing research on these topics and will thus avoid duplication of effort and unnecessary costs.

• Provide an overview of the current approach of the governments at the local and national levels in the implementing country/countries. Identify areas of opportunity to work in collaboration with local, state, and national governments and CSOs.

• Include funds to provide sub-awards to a diverse range of local CSOs.

• Propose activities such as trainings and campaign activities to create awareness about TFGBV, which may include working with local and national governments and GBV-focused CSOs to develop easily accessible tools, such as an e-pocket guide app to support TFGBV survivors. The proposal should reflect locally informed civil society-based solutions.

• Propose activities such as engaging with local and national government to encourage the involvement of TFGBV survivors and CSOs focused on TFGBV while planning preventive tools and applications.

• Identify and select community or grassroots civil society organizations that work to prevent and/or respond to TFGBV and support the selected CSOs through sub-award funding and capacity building.

• The proposal should focus on sustainable activities that support the project’s goal/objectives and can be scaled for potential future funding. These could include supporting TFGBV survivors through referral networks, community outreach, and other activities that facilitate their recovery.

• The proposal should explore increasing access to digital safety tools and expertise, tailored to needs of women and girls, in all their diversity.

Please be aware that funding for this project may not benefit law enforcement agencies or personnel.

All sub-awards made through this project will be subject to the approval of SCA and State Department Grants Officer.

Outcomes

Indicators:

Applicant monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) plans should include at least two of the following indicators, as relevant:

• GNDR-1: Number of legal instruments drafted, proposed, or adopted with USG assistance designed to promote gender equality or non-discrimination against women or girls at the national or sub-national level.

• GNDR-4: Percentage of participants reporting increased agreement with the concept that males and females should have equal access to social, economic, and political resources and opportunities.

• GNDR-5: Number of legal instruments drafted, proposed, or adopted with USG assistance designed to improve prevention of or response to sexual and gender-based violence at the national or sub-national level.

• GNDR-6: Number of people reached by a USG funded intervention providing GBV services (e.g., health, legal, psycho-social counseling, shelters, hotlines, other).

• GNDR-8: Number of persons trained with USG assistance to advance outcomes consistent with gender equality or female empowerment through their roles in public or private sector institutions or organizations.

• DR.4.2-2b: Number of women’s rights civil society organizations (CSOs) receiving USG assistance engaged in advocacy interventions.

• DR.4-1: Number of USG-supported activities designed to promote or strengthen the civic participation of women.

A complete list of Department of State standard indicators can be found at https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Public-PPR-Full-MIL-Standard-Indicators-Report.xlsx . Further information on our performance management process is available at Foreign Assistance Resource Library - United States Department of State.

Participants and Audiences:

SCA welcomes applications from U.S. based non-profit/non-governmental organizations with or without 501(C)(3) status of the U.S. tax code; foreign-based non-profit organizations/non-governmental organizations (NGO); Public International Organizations; and private, public, or state institutions of higher education.

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Public-PPR-Full-MIL-Standard-Indicators-Report.xlsx https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Public-PPR-Full-MIL-Standard-Indicators-Report.xlsx https://www.state.gov/foreign-assistance-resource-library/ https://www.state.gov/foreign-assistance-resource-library/

Length of performance period: - 24-36 months Number of awards anticipated: One award Award amounts: $ 986,000 Total available funding: $ 986,000 Type of Funding: FY23 Economic Support Funds under the Foreign Assistance Act Anticipated program start date: September 30, 2024 Funding Instrument Type: Grant or Cooperative Agreement

This notice is subject to availability of funding.

Primary organizations may submit one application in response to the NOFO.

The U.S. government may (a) reject any or all applications, (b) accept other than the lowest cost application, (c) accept more than one application, and (d) waive irregularities in applications received.

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

SCA anticipates awarding either a grant or cooperative agreement depending on the needs and risk factors of the program. The final determination on award mechanism will be made by the Grants Officer. The distinction between grants and cooperative agreements revolves around the existence of “substantial involvement.” Cooperative agreements require greater Federal government participation in the project. If a cooperative agreement is awarded, SCA will undertake reasonable and programmatically necessary substantial involvement. Examples of substantial involvement can include, but are not limited to:

• Active participation or collaboration with the recipient in the implementation of the award;

• Review and approval of one stage of work before another can begin;

• Collaboration on selection and/or review and approval of sub-award partnerships or sub-contracts beyond existing Federal policy;

• Approval of the recipient’s budget or plan of work prior to the award.

The authority for this funding opportunity is found in the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended

(FAA).

C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION

1. Eligible Applicants

SCA welcomes applications from U.S. based non-profit/non-governmental organizations with or without 501(C)(3) status of the U.S. tax code; foreign-based non-profit organizations/non-governmental organizations (NGO); Public International Organizations; and private, public, or state institutions of higher education.

Please see 2 CFR 200.307 for regulations regarding program income.

Project activities can only benefit foreign nationals. SCA maintains anti-discrimination policy in all its programs and activities. SCA emphasizes integration of gender equality and advancement of women and girls in U.S. foreign policy.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

Cost sharing specifically allocated to sub-grants for civil society organizations (CSOs) is welcome.

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

3. Other Eligibility Requirements

In order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a unique entity identifier as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov. Please see Section D.3 for information on how to obtain these registrations. Individuals are not required to have a unique entity identifier or be registered in SAM.gov.

Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization. If more than one proposal is submitted from an organization, all proposals from that institution will be considered ineligible for funding.

Applicants should have existing, or the capacity to develop, active partnerships with thematic or in-country partners, entities, and relevant stakeholders, including private sector partners and NGOs, and have demonstrable experience in administering successful and preferably similar projects.

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

1. Address to Request Application Package

Applicants can find application forms, kits, or other materials needed to apply on www.grants.gov and MyGrants (https://mygrants.servicenowservices.com) under the announcement title “Empowering Women to Use the Internet Safely Through Prevention of Tech Facilitated Gender Based Violence (TFGBV) funding opportunity number DFOP0014384. Please contact the SCA point of contact listed in Section G if requesting reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities or for security reasons. Please note that reasonable accommodations do not include deadline extensions.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

Content of Application:

Please ensure:

http://www.grants.gov/ https://mygrants.service-now.com/grants/portal_login.do

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

• All documents are in English;

• All budgets are in U.S. dollars;

• All pages are numbered;

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

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

1-inch margins.

The following documents are required:

1. Mandatory application forms

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

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

• If your organization engages in lobbying the U.S. government, including Congress, or pays another entity to lobby on your behalf, the SF-LLL “Disclosure of Lobbying Activities” form is also required (only if applicable)

2. Summary Page: Cover sheet stating the applicant’s name and organization, contact information, proposal date, program title, program period proposed start and end date, target country/countries, and a brief purpose of the program.

3. Proposal (13 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 program, including program objectives and anticipated impact.

• Introduction to the Organization or Individual Applying: A description of past and present operations, showing ability to carry out the program, including information on all previous grants from the U.S. Embassy and/or U.S. government agencies.

• Problem Statement: Clear, concise and well-supported statement of the problem to be addressed and why the proposed program is needed.

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

These should be achievable and measurable. Objectives of the program should be SMART:

▪ Specific: Detailed and specifies what will be achieved

▪ Measurable: have associated metrics or measurements of success

▪ Attainable: appropriately challenging, objectives can be reasonably attained give the available resources

▪ Relevant: align with the policy/program goal and appropriate within the country or beneficiary audience

▪ Time-bound – define timeline for key objectives

• Program Activities: Describe the program activities and how they will help achieve the objectives. All activities should be clearly developed and sufficiently explain the resource and time requirements (inputs) and things done or produced (outputs). Activities should detail target areas, participant groups or selection criteria for participants; how relevant stakeholders will be engaged; actions taken by local partners as appropriate/relevant.

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

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

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

• Program Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) 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 – Complete excel template attached in the list of documents.

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

6. Attachments (not included in 13-page maximum):

1. 1-page CV or resume of key personnel who are proposed for the program, demonstrating sufficient expertise working in the region and/or on gender equality, digital inclusion, and gender-based violence, including but not limited to TFGBV.

o Letters of support from program partners describing the roles and responsibilities of each partner o If your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, your latest NICRA should be included as a PDF file.

• Gender and Inclusion Analysis: (2 pages maximum) Proposal must include a gender and inclusion analysis that is contextualized by the geographic area where the applicant proposes to implement this program; demonstrates how the proposed program accounts for the different ways in which it might impact and be impacted by different gender norms and power dynamics; and identifies challenges and opportunities for narrowing gender inequalities. The analysis should also consider how gender intersects with other social categories of identity to create different experiences of privilege and oppression among women and men. This analysis should be a standalone document rather than a section of the proposal narrative.

2. Official permission letters, if required for program activities

3. Risk Analysis: Please address the risks your organization could face throughout the duration of the program and detail how your team will adjust to continue furthering the stated objectives.

7. Audit: Include a copy of your organization’s most recent audit (single or program audit), if applicable, or the annual financial statement audit, please refer to the 2 CRF 200 for requirements.

This document will not be reviewed by the review panel and will not be counted against the page limitations. The applicant’s proposal may include the cost of an audit that:

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

▪ 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.”

▪ 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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=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 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 DO plan to do business with the DoD in addition to Department of State should follow the below instructions:

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

NCAGE Homepage:

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

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

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

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

Organizations requesting exemption from UEI or SAM.gov requirements must email the point of contact listed in the NOFO at least two weeks prior to the deadline in the NOFO providing a justification of their request. Approval for a SAM.gov exemption must come from the warranted

Grants Officer before the application can be deemed eligible for review.

5. Submission Dates and Times

Applications are due no later than 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST), on July 15, 2024 on https://www.grants.gov/ or MyGrants (https://mygrants.servicenowservices.com) under the announcement title “Empowering Women to Use the Internet Safely Through Prevention of Tech Facilitated Gender Based Violence (TFGBV),” funding opportunity number DFOP0014384 under the announcement title “Empowering Women to Use the Internet Safely Through Prevention of Tech Facilitated Gender Based Violence (TFGBV),” funding opportunity number DFOP0014384.

6. Funding Restrictions

The Department of State determines on a case-by-case basis what constitutes assistance to a government; the general principles listed below apply.

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://www.grants.gov/

Assistance to the government includes:

• All branches of government (executive, legislative, judicial) at all levels (national, regional, local);

• Public schools, universities, hospitals, and state-owned enterprises, as well as government employees;

• Cash, training, equipment, services, or other assistance provided directly to the government, assistance provided to an NGO or other implementer for the benefit of the government, and assistance to government employees.

Additional requirements may be included depending on the content of the program.

7. Other Submission Requirements

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

E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

1. Criteria

Each application will be evaluated and rated on the basis of the evaluation criteria outlined below.

The SCA review panel will evaluate each application individually against the following criteria, listed below in order of importance, and not against competing applications. Please use the below criteria as a reference, but do not structure your application according to the sub-sections.

• Quality and Feasibility of the Program Idea – 20 points: The program idea is well developed, with detail about how program activities will be carried out. The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline.

• Organizational Capacity and Record on Previous Grants – 20 points: 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.

• Program Planning/Ability to Achieve Objectives – 15 points: Goals and objectives are clearly stated and program approach is likely to provide maximum impact in achieving the proposed results.

• Budget – 10 points: 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 – 15 points: 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 – 10 points: Program activities will continue to have positive impact after the end of the program.

Support of Equity and Underserved Communities – 10 points: Proposals should clearly demonstrate how the program will support and advance equity and engage underserved communities in program administration, design, and implementation including through a detailed gender and inclusion analysis.

2. Review and Selection Process

A review committee will evaluate all eligible applications.

3. Responsibility/Qualification Information in SAM.gov (formerly, FAPIIS)

i. 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);

ii. An applicant, at its option, may review and comment on any information about itself that a Federal awarding agency previously entered. Currently, federal agencies create integrity records in the integrity module of the Contractor Performance Assessment and Reporting System (CPARS) and these records are visible as responsibility/qualification records in MyGrants.gov;

iii. The Federal awarding agency will consider any comments by the applicant, in addition to the other information in the designated integrity and performance system, in making a judgment about the applicant's integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under Federal awards when completing the review of risk posed by applicants as described in §200.206 Federal awarding agency review of risk posed by applicants.

Applicant organizations must demonstrate adherence to equal opportunity employment practices and commitment to non-discrimination with respect to beneficiaries. 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 or support to individuals or organizations associated with terrorism.

• Proposals that reflect any type of support for any member, affiliate, or representative or a designate to terrorist organization or narcotics trafficker, including elected members of government, will NOT be considered. This provision must be included in any sub‐awards/sub-contracts issued under this award.

• U.S. Applicant organizations must demonstrate adherence to equal opportunity employment practices and commitment to non-discrimination with respect to beneficiaries.

Non-discrimination includes equal treatment without regard to race, religion, ethnicity, gender, and political affiliation.

• Applicants under DOS-funded projects are responsible for complying with all applicable tax treaties and federal, state, and local laws on tax withholding and reporting for project participants.

4. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates.

SCA expects to make an award no later than September 30, 2024.

F. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

1. Federal Award Notices

SCA will provide a separate notification to applicants on the result of their applications. Successful applicants will receive a letter electronically via email requesting that the applicant respond to review panel conditions and recommendations. This notification is not an authorization to begin activities and does not constitute formal approval or a funding commitment.

The grant will be written, signed, awarded, and administered by the Grants Officer. The assistance award agreement is the authorizing document, and it will be provided to the recipient for review and signature by email. The recipient may only start incurring program expenses beginning on the start date shown on the cooperative agreement award document signed by the

If a proposal is selected for funding, the Department of State has no obligation to provide any additional future funding. Renewal of an award to increase funding or extend the period of performance is at the discretion of the Department of State.

Issuance of this NOFO does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the U.S. government, nor does it commit the U.S. government to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of proposals. Further, the U.S. government reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received.

Payment Method:

Payment Method: Payments will be administered through the Payment Management System (pms.psc.gov).

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

Before submitting an application, applicants should review all the terms and conditions and required certifications which will apply to this award, to ensure that they will be able to comply.

These include:

• 2 CFR 25 - UNIVERSAL IDENTIFIER AND SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT

• 2 CFR 170 - REPORTING SUBAWARD AND EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION INFORMATION

• 2 CFR 175 - AWARD TERM FOR TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS

• 2 CFR 182 - GOVERNMENTWIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE (FINANCIAL

ASSISTANCE)

• 2 CFR 183 - NEVER CONTRACT WITH THE ENEMY

• 2 CFR 600 – DEPARTMENT OF STATE REQUIREMENTS

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

In accordance with the Office of Management and Budget’s guidance located at 2 CFR part 200, all applicable Federal laws, and relevant Executive guidance, the Department of State will review and consider applications for funding, as applicable to specific programs, pursuant to this notice of funding opportunity in accordance with the following: NOTE:

• Guidance for Grants and Agreements in Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations (2 CFR), as updated in the Federal Register’s 85 FR 49506 on August 13, 2020, particularly on:

o Selecting recipients most likely to be successful in delivering results based on the program objectives through an objective process of evaluating Federal award applications (2 CFR part 200.205), o Prohibiting the purchase of certain telecommunication and video surveillance services or equipment in alignment with section 889 of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2019 (Pub. L. No. 115—232) (2 CFR part 200.216), o Promoting the freedom of speech and religious liberty in alignment with Promoting Free Speech and Religious Liberty (E.O. 13798) and Improving Free Inquiry, Transparency, and Accountability at Colleges and Universities (E.O. 13864) (§§ 200.300, 200.303, 200.339, and 200.341), o Providing a preference, to the extent permitted by law, to maximize use of goods, products, and materials produced in the United States (2 CFR part 200.322), and o Terminating agreements in whole or in part to the greatest extent authorized by law, if an award no longer effectuates the program goals or agency priorities (2 CFR part 200.340).

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

The proposal should also demonstrate how the program will further engagement in underserved communities and with individuals from underserved communities. Proposals should demonstrate how addressing racial equity and underserved communities will enhance the program’s goals and objectives, as well as the experience of participants.

3. Reporting

Reporting Requirements:

Reporting is critical to effective program management and oversight. Reports are required as a means of evaluating the recipient’s progress and utilization of resources. They are divided between a performance progress report and a financial status report. Applicants should be aware that SCA awards will require that all reports (financial and progress) are uploaded to the grant file in MyGrants on a quarterly basis. The Federal Financial Report (FFR or SF-425) is the required form for the financial reports and must be submitted in PMS, as well as a copy from PMS then uploaded to the grant file in MyGrants. The progress reports uploaded to the grant file in MyGrants must include a narrative as described below and Project Indicators (or other mutually agreed upon format approved by the Grants Officer) for the F Framework (standard) indicators.

The F Framework indicators will be reviewed and negotiated during the final stages of issuing an award.

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Narrative progress reports should reflect the focus on measuring the project’s progress in achieving the overarching goal and should be compiled according to the objectives, activities, outcomes, and outputs as outlined in the award’s Logic Model and in the Monitoring & Evaluation Narrative. Explain and evaluate how activities reflect progress toward expected outcome and outcomes towards achieving objectives. Include progress towards meeting benchmarks/targets as set in the M&E Plan.

In addition, attach the M&E Plan, comparing the target and actual numbers for the indicators; an assessment of the overall project’s impact should be included in each progress report. Where relevant, progress reports should also include the following:

• Relevant contextual information (limited).

• Any tangible impact or success stories from the project, when possible.

• Copy of mid-term and/or final evaluation report(s) conducted by an external evaluator, if applicable.

• Relevant supporting documentation or products related to the project activities (such as articles, meeting lists and agendas, participant surveys, photos, manuals, etc.) as separate attachments.

• Description of how the recipient is pursuing sustainability, including looking for sources of follow-on funding.

• Any problems/challenges in implementing the project and corrective action plan with an updated timeline of activities.

• Reasons why activities have not been conducted or deliverables were not met in accordance with the timeline.

• Data for the required F Framework (standard) indicator(s) for the quarter as well as aggregate data by fiscal year.

• Program Indicators or other mutually agreed upon format approved by the Grants Officer.

• Proposed activities for the next quarter.

• Additional pertinent information, including analysis and explanation of cost overruns or high unit costs, if applicable.

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.

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. A final narrative and financial report must also be submitted within 120 days after the expiration of the award.

Please note: Delays in reporting may result in delays of payment approvals and failure to provide required reports may jeopardize the recipient's’ ability to receive future U.S. government funds. SCA reserves the right to request any additional programmatic and/or financial project information during the award period.

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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.

G. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS

If you have any questions about the grant application process, please contact: schumandj2@state.gov

Questions and Answers or FAQ will be posted on May 15, 2024to answer questions from all potential applicants.

H. OTHER INFORMATION

Guidelines for Budget Justification Personnel and Fringe Benefits: Describe the wages, salaries, and benefits of temporary or permanent staff who will be working directly for the applicant on the program, and the percentage of their time that will be spent on the program.

Travel: Estimate the costs of travel and per diem for this program, for program staff, consultants or speakers, and participants/beneficiaries. If the program involves international travel, include a brief statement of justification for that travel.

Equipment: Describe any machinery, furniture, or other personal property that is required for the program, which has a useful life of more than one year (or a life longer than the duration of the program), and costs at least…