Notice of Funding Opportunity U.S. Mission Vietnam Public Diplomacy Section .pdf

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

U.S. MISSION VIETNAM

PUBLIC DIPLOMACY SECTION (PDS)

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

Opportunity number: PDS-HAN-HCMC-FY25

Applica�on deadline: March 2, 2025

Contents

A. Basic Informa�on

B. Eligibility

C. Program Descrip�on

D. Applica�on Contents and Format

E. Submission Requirements and Deadlines

F. Applica�on Review Informa�on

G. Award No�ces

H. Post-Award Requirements and Administra�on

I. Other Informa�on

U.S Department of State U.S. Mission Vietnam

Public Diplomacy Sec�on No�ce of Funding Opportunity

A. Basic Informa�on

1. Overview Funding Opportunity Title U.S. Mission Vietnam PDS NOFO Funding Opportunity Number PDS-HAN-HCMC-FY25 Announcement Type Ini�al announcement Deadline for Applica�ons March 2, 2025 | 11:59 P.M. GMT +7 Assistance Lis�ng Number 19.040 Length of performance period Proposed program should ideally be planned for a period of 12 months but can be longer depending on the nature of the program

Number of awards an�cipated Dependent on amounts Award amounts Awards may range from a minimum of $7,500 to a maximum of $30,000 Total available funding $60,000, pending funding availability Type of Funding Funding authority rests primarily in Smith-

Mundt FY2025 Public Diplomacy funding An�cipated project start date A�er March 27, 2025

Funding Instrument Type: Grant, fixed amount award (FAA), or coopera�ve agreement. Coopera�ve agreements include substan�al involvement of the bureau or embassy in program implementa�on of the project. An FAA can also include substan�al involvement. Examples of substan�al involvement are included in sec�on C below.

Project Performance Period: Proposed program should ideally be planned for a period of 12 months but can be longer depending on the nature of the program.

The Department of State will entertain applica�ons for con�nua�on grants funded under these awards beyond the ini�al budget period on a non-compe��ve basis subject to availability of funds, sa�sfactory progress of the program, and a determina�on that con�nued funding would be in the best interest of the U.S.

Department of State.

This no�ce is subject to availability of funding.

2. Executive Summary Priority Region: Vietnam

Execu�ve Summary

The U.S. Mission to Vietnam’s Public Diplomacy Sec�on (PDS) of the Department of State is pleased to announce an open compe��on for organiza�ons to submit proposals to carry-out ac�vi�es that support the following priori�es with Vietnamese audiences: enhance understanding of emerging technologies and related digital policies; teacher training for English as a second language across all areas of instruc�on; alumni engagement; and strengthen people-to-people �es as the U.S. and Vietnam mark thirty years of bilateral rela�ons.

This No�ce of Funding Opportunity outlines our funding priori�es, strategic themes, and the procedures for submi�ng requests for funding. Please note that the agreement will be signed under a federal assistance award. The funding is not eligible for a service agreement.

Please carefully follow all instruc�ons below.

B. Eligibility

1. Eligible Applicants The following organiza�ons are eligible to apply:

• Registered not-for-profit organiza�ons, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organiza�ons with programming experience;

• Not-for-profit or governmental educa�onal ins�tu�ons;

• Registered social enterprises; or

• Governmental ins�tu�ons.

Individuals, for-profit or commercial entities are not eligible to apply.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching Cost sharing is not required.

3. Other Eligibility Requirements All organiza�ons must have a Unique En�ty Iden�fier (UEI) issued via SAM.gov as well as a valid registra�on in SAM.gov. Please see Sec�on D.3 for more informa�on. Non-Vietnamese ins�tu�ons should be able to execute their proposal in compliance with all applicable Vietnamese regula�ons.

C. Program Descrip�on

1. Goals and Objectives Proposal submissions under this NOFO should advance at least one of the following goals.

Enhance understanding of emerging technologies and related digital policies, with a specific focus on leveraging case studies and simula�ons to explore best prac�ces for applica�on of emerging technologies and related regula�on, incorpora�ng perspec�ves from around the region and the world as well as mul�lateral ins�tu�ons. Proposals should also consider economic and trade ramifica�ons and relevant interna�onal laws. This includes ini�a�ves to develop technical and so� skills and leadership-building of emerging leaders and entrepreneurs through par�cipatory and interac�ve workshops on emerging technologies, digital policy, intellectual property rights, cybersecurity, business prac�ces, digital trade, and fintech.

Expand capacity of teachers and higher educa�on officials to implement English as a second language of instruc�on across all areas of instruc�on, par�cularly science, technology, engineering and mathema�cs. The U.S. Mission is priori�zing support for the Vietnam government’s decision to make English the second language for the medium of instruc�on across all areas. Teacher training, curriculum development, and implementa�on design will be cri�cal to the success of such an ini�a�ve.

Foster the development of U.S. alumni networks across Vietnam including around geographic, thema�c, and professional development areas. There are almost 8000 alumni of U.S. government programs across Vietnam and tens of thousands of graduates of U.S. higher educa�on ins�tu�ons. A core priority for the U.S. Mission is to support alumni engagement in ways that enable professional and personal development of alumni and ac�vi�es that support shared bilateral goals.

Strengthen People-to-People Ties in Celebra�on of the 30th Anniversary since the normaliza�on of bilateral rela�ons: On July 11, 2025, the United States and Vietnam will celebrate 30 years of diploma�c rela�ons. This anniversary will be an important opportunity to honor our past and the visionary leadership on both sides that enabled us to address the legacy of war and rebuild mutual trust and understanding. January 2025 will mark the start of a yearlong anniversary celebra�on that will include events and ac�vi�es hosted by partners in Vietnam and the United States. This includes proposals to connect U.S. and Vietnamese ins�tu�ons and organiza�ons to promote dialogue, awareness, and interest in the future trajectory of the bilateral rela�onship on topics that may range from workforce development, educa�on, trade, cultural exchange, environmental protec�on, regional security, health, American and Vietnamese studies, and other shared priori�es.

Potential applicants should propose detailed specific, measurable, achievable, and relevant (SMART) project objectives for their proposed programs. Potential applicants should develop outcome-based objectives that incorporate measurable outcome indicators and propose methods to measure them.

All proposals must engage Vietnamese audiences and include a U.S. element or connec�on with American expert(s), organiza�on(s), or ins�tu�on(s) in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspec�ves.

An organiza�on can submit a single proposal to cover mul�ple programs on different thema�c priori�es at mul�ple loca�ons.

Par�cipants and Audiences:

Programs may include the following par�cipants and audiences. Successful proposals will demonstrate an understanding of audience needs to achieve a specific outcome. PDS Vietnam encourages efforts to ensure gender parity and socio-economic inclusion across all its ac�vi�es. Applicants should be as specific as possible in their proposals about their program’s primary audience. The term “general public” is not an adequate descrip�on of the targeted audience.

• Academic ins�tu�ons;

• Business leaders and entrepreneurs;

• Community leaders;

• Cultural ins�tu�ons;

• Journalists, media organiza�ons;

• Social and new media users;

• Social Enterprises;

• Emerging leaders;

• Local Government Offices and Ministries;

• Young professionals;

• Students and youth.

The following types of programs are not eligible for funding:

• Programs rela�ng to par�san poli�cal ac�vity;

• Charitable or development ac�vi�es;

• Construc�on programs;

• Programs that support specific religious ac�vi�es;

• Fund-raising campaigns;

• Lobbying for specific legisla�on or programs;

• Scien�fic research;

• Programs intended primarily for the growth or ins�tu�onal development of the organiza�on; or

• Programs that duplicate exis�ng programs.

2. Substantial Involvement Some examples of substan�al involvement include, but are not limited to:

• Ac�ve collabora�on with the recipient in the implementa�on of the award.

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

• Joint prepara�on or presenta�on of results with the recipient.

• Involvement in the selec�on of par�cipants or program venues.

• Specific programma�c oversight in the award, beyond normal monitoring.

The following are not considered areas of substan�al involvement:

• Approval of key personnel.

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

• Standard oversight, monitoring, and administra�on of Federal awards.

• Ac�ons to correct recipient performance or administra�ve deficiencies iden�fied during the implementa�on of the award.

D. Applica�on Contents and Format

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

Content of Applica�on Please ensure:

• The proposal clearly addresses the goals and objec�ves of this funding opportunity

• All documents are in English

• All budgets are in U.S. dollars

• All pages are numbered

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

• All Microso� 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 (Applica�on for Federal Assistance – organiza�ons, PDF, 163 KB) or

• SF-424A (Budget Informa�on, PDF, 322 KB) – please follow instruc�ons

(PDF, 181 KB) to complete this form

• SF-424B (Assurances for Non-Construc�on programs, PDF, 89 KB) (note: the

SF-424B is only required for individuals, organiza�ons exempt from registra�on, and for organiza�ons not required to fully register in SAM.gov) https://sk.usembassy.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/193/SF424_4_0-V4.0-4.pdf https://sk.usembassy.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/193/SF424A-V1.0-1.pdf https://sk.usembassy.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/193/SF424A-Instructions-SK.pdf https://sk.usembassy.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/193/SF424B-V1.1-1-1.pdf

2. Summary Page (optional) Cover sheet sta�ng the applicant’s name and organiza�on, proposal date, program �tle, program period proposed start and end date, and brief purpose of the program.

3. Proposal (five pages maximum) The proposal should contain sufficient informa�on 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 narra�ve that outlines the proposed project, including project objec�ves and an�cipated impact.

• Introduc�on to the Organiza�on applying: A descrip�on of past and present opera�ons, showing ability to carry out the program, including informa�on on all previous grants from the State Department and/or U.S. government agencies.

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

• Project Goals and Objec�ves: The “goals” describe what the program is intended to achieve. The “objec�ves” refer to the intermediate accomplishments on the way to the goals. These should be achievable and measurable.

• Project Ac�vi�es: Describe the program ac�vi�es and how they will help achieve the objec�ves.

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

• Proposed Project Schedule and Timeline: The proposed �meline for the program ac�vi�es. Include the dates, �mes, and loca�ons of planned ac�vi�es and events.

• Key Personnel: Names, �tles, roles and experience/qualifica�ons of key personnel involved in the program. What propor�on of their �me will be used in support of this program?

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

• Project Monitoring and Evalua�on Plan: This is an important part of successful grants. Throughout the �me frame of the grant, how will the ac�vi�es be monitored to ensure they are happening in a �mely manner, and how will the program be evaluated to make sure it is mee�ng the goals of the grant?

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

4. Budget Justification Narrative A�er filling out the SF-424A Budget (above), use a separate file to describe each of the budget expenses in detail. See sec�on I. Other Information: Guidelines for Budget Submissions below for further informa�on.

5. Attachments

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

• Leters of support from project partners describing the roles and responsibili�es of each partner

• If your organiza�on has a Nego�ated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, include your latest NICRA as a PDF file.

• Official permission leters, if required for program ac�vi�es with program partners, for instance.

• Documenta�ons that the organiza�on is a registered en�ty.

E. Submission Requirements and Deadlines

1. Address to Request Application Package Applica�on forms required above are available to access at Grants.gov or here:

Grant Documents.

2. Department of State Contacts If you have any ques�ons about the grant applica�on process, please contact:

VietnamPASGrants@state.gov

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

All organiza�ons, whether based in the United States or in another country, must have a Unique En�ty Iden�fier (UEI) and an ac�ve registra�on in SAM.gov. A UEI is https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1wJZ-kLDwcz3siidEbsydapRLVs2mG1YJ?usp=sharing mailto:VietnamPASGrants@state.gov one of the data elements mandated by Public Law 109-282, the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA), for all Federal awards. An applicant must maintain an ac�ve registra�on while it has a proposal under review by the Department and must con�nue to keep the registra�on ac�ve for the en�re dura�on of the period of performance of any Federal award that results from this

NOFO.

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

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

• Organiza�ons based in the United States or that pay employees within the United States will need an Employer Iden�fica�on Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and a UEI prior to registering in SAM.gov.

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

• Organiza�ons 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 En�ty (NCAGE) code to apply for non-DoD foreign assistance funding opportuni�es. If an applicant organiza�on is mid-registra�on and wishes to remove an NCAGE code from their SAM.gov registra�on, the applicant should submit a help desk �cket (“incident”) with the Federal Service Desk (FSD) online at www.fsd.gov using the following language: “I do not intend to seek financial assistance from the Department of Defense. I do not wish to obtain an NCAGE code. I understand that I will need to submit my registra�on a�er this incident is resolved in order to have my registra�on ac�vated.”

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

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

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:

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

NCAGE Code Request Tool (nato.int)

Exemptions An exemp�on from the UEI and sam.gov registra�on requirements may be permited on a case-by-case basis. See 2 CFR 25.110 for a full list of exemp�ons.

Organiza�ons reques�ng exemp�on 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 jus�fica�on of their request. Approval for a SAM.gov exemp�on must come from the warranted Grants Officer before the applica�on can be deemed eligible for review.

4. Submission Dates and Times

Applica�ons may be submited for considera�on at any �me before the closing date of March 2, 2025 at 11:59 P.M. GMT+7. No applica�ons will be accepted a�er that date.

5. Funding Restrictions Funding Restric�ons for the United Na�ons Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA)

None of the funds awarded resul�ng from this No�ce of Funding Opportunity may be made available for subawards, direct financial support, or otherwise used to provide any payment or transfer to United Na�ons Relief and Works Agency https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Feportal.nspa.nato.int%2FAC135Public%2Fscage%2FCageList.aspx&data=05%7C01%7Cfjeldkk%40state.gov%7C0cc4e2b471f44abcd32308db093ecead%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C638113937577534024%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=v3TLT8F%2FNfk5SuTcI2zw7SMhV4HK542OhP9XDx4ln%2BY%3D&reserved=0 https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/Codification/CageTool/home https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25/subpart-A/section-25.110

(UNRWA).

6. Other Submission Requirements In order to ensure your applica�on is received for considera�on, please do the following:

• Complete the form here: PDS NOFO 2025 AND

• Email VietnamPASGrants@state.gov with your completed proposal for applica�on submission.

Receipt of the applica�on will be acknowledged within two business days.

F. Applica�on Review Informa�on

1. Review Criteria Each applica�on will be evaluated and rated based on the evalua�on criteria outlined below.

Quality and Feasibility of the Program Idea – 25 points: The program idea is well developed, with detail about how program ac�vi�es will be carried out. The proposal includes a reasonable implementa�on �meline and engaging ac�vi�es likely to be of interest/benefit to the target audience. Strong proposals will also support and advance equity and inclusion in program administra�on, design, and implementa�on.

Crea�vity and Sustainability - 15 points: The program idea takes a novel approach to advancing a priority and program results are likely to have a las�ng and posi�ve impact a�er the program ends. To make this assessment, reviewers will consider whether the USG has funded similar ac�vi�es in Vietnam and what the results were, whether the grantee has conducted similar ac�vi�es and related outcomes, and whether other donors have supported similar ac�vi�es with the grantee.

Organiza�onal Capacity and Record on Previous Grants – 15 points: The organiza�on has exper�se in its stated field and has the internal controls in place https://forms.gle/a4by4aiK1s7KYfYMA mailto:VietnamPASGrants@state.gov to manage federal funds. This includes a financial management system and a bank account.

Program Planning/Ability to Achieve Objec�ves – 20 points: Goals and objec�ves are clearly stated, and program approach is likely to provide maximum impact in achieving the proposed results. Grantee demonstrates understanding of target audience and overall problem set as well as the Vietnam context.

Budget – 10 points: The budget jus�fica�on is detailed. Costs are reasonable in rela�on to the proposed ac�vi�es and an�cipated results. The budget is realis�c, accoun�ng for all necessary expenses to achieve proposed ac�vi�es.

Monitoring and evalua�on 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.

2. Review and Selection Process U.S. Mission Vietnam strives to ensure that each application receives a balanced evaluation by two separate panels. A Technical Grants Review Panel will evaluate all applications to assess eligibility. This panel will determine the eligibility of each submitted proposal to ensure its applications are technically eligible for this NOFO and are reviewed against following criteria.

A second Grants Review Panel will then evaluate all technically eligible applications. The Grants Review Panel will evaluate how the application addresses the NOFO request, U.S. foreign policy goals, and the overall priority needs of the Embassy. The Grants Review Panel will also review the proposal against the same six criteria:

• Quality and Feasibility of the Program Idea

• Crea�vity and Sustainability

• Organiza�onal Capacity and Record on Previous Grants

• Program Planning/Ability to Achieve Objec�ves

• Budget

• Monitoring and evalua�on plan

The Grants Review Panel may provide condi�ons and recommenda�ons on applica�ons to enhance the proposed program, which the applicant must address before further considera�on of the award. To ensure effec�ve use of the funds, condi�ons or recommenda�ons may include requests to increase, decrease, clarify, and/or jus�fy costs and program ac�vi�es.

3. Risk Review

i. Risk factors – must include

Under the merit review as required by 2 CFR 200.206, prior to making a Federal Award the Department will review and consider the following risk factors:

a. Financial stability

b. Management systems and standards

c. History of performance

d. Audit reports and findings

e. Ability to effectively implement requirements

f. If there are any program specific risk factors that will be considered, describe them here.

ii. Responsibility/Qualifica�on Informa�on in SAM.gov

The Federal awarding agency, prior to making a Federal award with a total amount of Federal share greater than the simplified acquisi�on threshold, is required to review and consider (see 41 U.S.C. 2313);

An applicant can review and comment on any informa�on in the responsibility/qualifica�on records available in SAM.gov.

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

G. Award No�ces

The award or coopera�ve agreement will be writen, signed, awarded, and administered by the Grants Officer. The award agreement is the authorizing document, and it will be provided to the recipient for review and counter-signature. The recipient may only start incurring project expenses beginning on the start date shown on the award document signed by the Grants Officer.

If a proposal is selected for funding, the Department of State has no obliga�on to provide any addi�onal future funding. Renewal of an award to increase funding or extend the period of performance is at the discre�on of the Department of State.

Issuance of this NOFO does not cons�tute 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 prepara�on and submission of proposals. Further, the U.S.

government reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received.

If approved for funding, it is important to note that the recipient understands that they bear the legal and sole responsibility for any tax liability they may incur and for obtaining all permissions and approvals relevant to carrying out the grant

Unsuccessful applicants: Unsuccessful applicants will be no�fied by March 27, 2025 via email.

Payment Method:

Recipients will be required to request payments by comple�ng form SF-270— Request for Advance or Reimbursement and submi�ng the form to the Grants Officer.

H. Post-Award Requirements and Administra�on

1. Administrative and National Policy Requirements Before submi�ng an applica�on, applicants should review all the terms and condi�ons and required cer�fica�ons which will apply to this award, to ensure that they will be able to comply.

These include:

In accordance with the Office of Management and Budget’s guidance located at 2 CFR part 200, all applicable Federal laws, and relevant Execu�ve guidance, the Department of State will review and consider applica�ons for funding, as applicable to specific programs, pursuant to this no�ce of funding opportunity in accordance with the following: NOTE:

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

o Selec�ng recipients most likely to be successful in delivering results based on the program objec�ves through an impar�al process of evalua�ng Federal award applica�ons (2 CFR part 200.205), o Promo�ng 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 permited by law, to maximize use of goods, products, and materials produced in the United States (2 CFR part 200.322), and o Termina�ng agreements pursuant to the U.S. Department of State Standard Terms and Condi�ons, including, to the greatest extent authorized by law, if an award no longer effectuates the program goals or agency priori�es (2 CFR part 200.340).

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

• 2 CFR 170 - REPORTING SUBAWARD AND EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

INFORMATION

• 2 CFR 175 - AWARD TERM FOR TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS

• 2 CFR 182 - GOVERNMENTWIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR DRUG-FREE

WORKPLACE (FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE)

• 2 CFR 183 - NEVER CONTRACT WITH THE ENEMY

• 2 CFR 600 – DEPARTMENT OF STATE REQUIREMENTS

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

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In accordance with the Execu�ve Order on Advancing Racial Equity and Underserved Communi�es, proposals should demonstrate how the program advances equity with respect to race, ethnicity, religion, income, geography, gender iden�ty, sexual orienta�on, and disability. The proposal should also demonstrate how the program will further engagement in underserved communi�es and with individuals from underserved communi�es. Proposals should demonstrate how addressing racial equity and underserved communi�es will enhance the program’s goals and objec�ves, as well as the experience of par�cipants.

The support of underserved communi�es will be part of the review criteria for this opportunity. Therefore, proposals should clearly demonstrate how the program will support and advance equity and engage underserved communi�es in program administra�on, design, and implementa�on.

2. Reporting

Repor�ng Requirements: Recipients will be required to submit financial reports and program reports. The award document will specify what reports are required and how o�en these reports must be submited.

Foreign Assistance Data Review: As required by Congress, the Department of State must make progress in its efforts to improve tracking and repor�ng of foreign assistance data through the Foreign Assistance Data Review (FADR).

The FADR requires tracking of foreign assistance ac�vity data from budge�ng, planning, and alloca�on through obliga�on 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 documenta�on. 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 accoun�ng records.

I. Other Informa�on

Guidelines for Budget Jus�fica�on 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 �me that will be spent on the program.

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Travel: Es�mate the costs of travel and per diem for this program, for program staff, consultants or speakers, and par�cipants/beneficiaries. If the program involves interna�onal travel, include a brief statement of jus�fica�on 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 dura�on of the program), and costs at least $10,000 per unit.

Supplies: List and describe all the items and materials, including any computer devices, that are needed for the program. If an item costs more than $10,000 per unit, then put it in the budget under Equipment.

Contractual: Describe goods and services that the applicant plans to acquire through a contract with a vendor. Also describe any sub-awards to non-profit partners that will help carry out the program ac�vi�es.

Other Direct Costs: Describe other costs directly associated with the program, which do not fit in the other categories. For example, shipping costs for materials and equipment or applicable taxes. All “Other” or “Miscellaneous” expenses must be itemized and explained.

Indirect Costs: These are costs that cannot be linked directly to the program ac�vi�es, such as overhead costs needed to help keep the organiza�on opera�ng.

If your organiza�on has a Nego�ated Indirect Cost Rate (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, atach a copy of your latest NICRA. Organiza�ons that have never had a NICRA may request indirect costs of 15% of Modified Total Direct Costs as defined in 2 CFR 200.1.

“Cost Sharing” refers to contribu�ons from the organiza�on or other en��es other than the U.S. Embassy. It also includes in-kind contribu�ons such as volunteers’ �me and donated venues.

Alcoholic Beverages: Please note that award funds cannot be used for alcoholic beverages.

I. Other Information