OPAPDFY23006 NOFO - Promoting market-driven skills for Palestinian university graduates.pdf

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

U.S. OFFICE OF PALESTINIAN AFFAIRS

PUBLIC DIPLOMACY SECTION

Notice of Funding Opportunity

Funding Opportunity Title: Promoting market-driven skills for Palestinian university graduates Funding Opportunity Number: OPAPDFY23006 Deadline for Applications: July 21, 2023 Assistance Listing Number: 19.021 Total Amount Available: $200,000 (Subject to availability of funds)

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Public Diplomacy Section (PD) of the U.S. Office of Palestinian Affairs (U.S. OPA) announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out the “Promoting market-driven skills for Palestinian university graduates” program, which aims to prepare recent and soon-to-be graduates of Palestinian universities with employment skills (soft and technical) with the skills required by the modern labor market. Applications may only be submitted by eligible organizations. Eligible applicant entities include U.S. and Palestinian non-profit non-governmental organizations (NGOs), or non-profit higher education institutions. This program must be designed to implement activities that advance the applicant’s goals and the U.S. OPA- PD mission, including but not limited to:

1) Building Palestinian institutions, both governmental and non-governmental, that effectively address the needs and aspirations of the Palestinian people;

2) Building a prosperous Palestinian economy, led by a thriving private sector, that provides equitable and inclusive economic opportunities and improves daily life for Palestinians.

The proposed program must include substantive engagement with American people, institutions, ideas and ideals in order to improve American-Palestinian relations and create greater opportunities for mutually beneficial partnership and cooperation.

Priority Region: Jerusalem, West Bank, and/or Gaza

Program Objectives:

All proposed projects must aim to advance the OPA-PD mission goals stated above, contain a partnership between American and Palestinian institutions, and achieve the following specific objectives:

1. Capacity building for human capital in support of sustainable economic development: Prepares recent and soon-to-be graduates of Palestinian universities with employment skills (soft and technical) that are sought by Palestinian companies and organizations.

2. Internationalization: Supports Palestinian graduates’ global and regional integration and prepares students to become employable, globally-empowered citizens.

2. Relationships: Reinvigorates or builds upon existing partnerships or brings a new U.S. university or non-profit sector partner to the project to advance development of skills that are sought by the Palestinian private sector in recent graduates. The partnership agreement should delineate a well-defined purpose and objectives that align with the objectives of the respective institutions.

Successful proposals should incorporate the following elements:

1. A clear description of the specific problem to be addressed during the project being proposed, with clear linkages between the problem, as defined, and the activities being proposed.

2. The proposal should establish a partnership and joint activities that support the development of a substantive and long-term linkage between the cooperating U.S. and Palestinian entities to encourage collaboration and engagement with the relevant private sector and not-for-profit organizational stakeholders, university faculty and administration, and students and recent graduates; and the sharing of knowledge and expertise.

3. The proposal should explain the importance of the area of collaboration for both institutions and how it aligns with their priorities; provide details about the proposed model and how it will operate; and clearly show how the expected results will be aligned with the needs of the Palestinian private sector while helping the partnering organizations achieve their objectives.

4. The proposal will use data and metrics in conducting a needs assessment of the private sector and outline how the project will meet these needs in using SMART objectives (see below re: SMART).

5. The proposal should contain clearly stated, measurable goals and objectives, and specific indicators of success along with a plan for measuring those indicators to evaluate the project’s success in achieving its goals and objectives. Use of Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound objectives (SMART) is recommended.

6. While there are no requirements about specific subject matter/fields of collaboration, the OPA seeks to fund a partnership with this award that is not focused on English language capacity building, since the U.S. government has many other resources supporting this field. We understand and expect that English language may be an element of a partnership proposal, yet the goal of this call for proposals is to expand to other needed subjects and fields.

7. Sustainability: The proposal should clearly demonstrate how both institutions will successfully sustain the relationship after the end of the U.S. government-funded award and how this partnership will be embedded within the institutional framework of both organizations.

Participants and Audiences:

Primary participants in the engagement may potentially be faculty, administrators, non-profit-sector organizational staff, and students and recent graduates, as appropriate. Students and recent graduates at the institutions should also participate in and benefit from the project as appropriate.

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Length of performance period: 12 to 36 months Number of awards anticipated: 1 award Award amounts: up to $200,000 Total available funding: $200,000 Type of Funding: FY23 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds Anticipated program start date: September 30, 2023

This notice is subject to availability of funding.

Funding Instrument Type: Grant or Cooperative Agreement

Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 36 months or less. The Department of State may entertain applications for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the initial budget period on a non-competitive basis subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the program, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the U.S. Department of State.

C. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

1. Eligible Applicants

Eligible primary applicants for grant funding must be Palestinian or American not-for-profit organizations and/or Palestinian or American not-for-profit higher education institutions.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

Cost sharing is not required under this opportunity. However, cost sharing may be used to break ties among applications with equivalent scores after evaluation against all other factors.

3. Other Eligibility Requirements

In order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number issued via www.SAM.gov as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov. Please see Section D.3 for more information. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov.

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

1. Address to Request Application Package

The required application forms for this Notice of Funding Opportunity are available on the U.S.

Department of State’s Office of Palestinian Affairs webpage Grants and Funding Opportunities ) and on grants.gov (Grants.gov-Application Forms). Please note the optional templates (Project Proposal template; Detailed Budget Spreadsheet template; and Budget Narrative template) also available here (Optional Templates). The templates are designed to make the application process easier. Applicants may choose to use these optional templates if desired or if they do not have their own standard proposal format.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

Please follow all instructions below carefully. Proposals that do not meet the requirements of this announcement or fail to comply with the stated requirements will be ineligible. Please submit all proposal documents as described below via email with “Promoting market-driven skills for Palestinian university graduates” in the subject line to JerusalemPDJApplications@state.gov.

Content of Application Please ensure:

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

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

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

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

https://mcas-proxyweb.mcas.ms/certificate-checker?login=false&originalUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.SAM.gov.mcas.ms%3FMcasTsid%3D20892&McasCSRF=5421a084e54c1512dddac47a92d2af8fe7ec03fe1ac963b89db03a080cc39d73 https://palestinianaffairs.state.gov/grants-and-funding-opportunities/ https://mcas-proxyweb.mcas.ms/certificate-checker?login=false&originalUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.grants.gov.mcas.ms%2Fweb%2Fgrants%2Fforms%2Fsf-424-family.html%3FMcasTsid%3D20892&McasCSRF=5421a084e54c1512dddac47a92d2af8fe7ec03fe1ac963b89db03a080cc39d73 https://mcas-proxyweb.mcas.ms/certificate-checker?login=false&originalUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fil.usembassy.gov.mcas.ms%2Fpalestinian-affairs-unit%2Fcultural-and-educational-programs%2Fgrants-and-funding-opportunities%2Fnotice-of-funding-opportunity-sustainable-u-s-palestinian-higher-education-partnerships%2F%3FMcasTsid%3D20892&McasCSRF=5421a084e54c1512dddac47a92d2af8fe7ec03fe1ac963b89db03a080cc39d73 https://mcas-proxyweb.mcas.ms/certificate-checker?login=false&originalUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fil.usembassy.gov.mcas.ms%2Fpalestinian-affairs-unit%2Fcultural-and-educational-programs%2Fgrants-and-funding-opportunities%2Fnotice-of-funding-opportunity-sustainable-u-s-palestinian-higher-education-partnerships%2F%3FMcasTsid%3D20892&McasCSRF=5421a084e54c1512dddac47a92d2af8fe7ec03fe1ac963b89db03a080cc39d73 https://palestinianaffairs.state.gov/grants-and-funding-opportunities/ mailto:JerusalemPDJApplications@state.gov

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

• All budgets are in U.S. dollars

• All pages are numbered

The following documents are required and are available at this link (Grants.gov-Application Forms).

1. Mandatory application forms

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

• SF424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs) at grants.gov

• SF424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs) or SF424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs - Individual) at grants.gov (the SF-424B is only required for individuals and for organizations not registered in SAM.gov)

Applicants may also use the optional templates (Project Proposal template;

Detailed Budget Spreadsheet template; and Budget Narrative template) if desired. They are available here (Optional Templates). The optional templates are designed to make the application process easier but are not required.

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

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

• Proposal Summary: Short narrative that outlines the proposed program, including program objectives and anticipated impact.

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

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

• Program Goals and Objectives: The “goals” describe what the program is intended to achieve. The “objectives” refer to the intermediate accomplishments on the way to the goals. Objectives should be achievable https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html https://mcas-proxyweb.mcas.ms/certificate-checker?login=false&originalUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fil.usembassy.gov.mcas.ms%2Fpalestinian-affairs-unit%2Fcultural-and-educational-programs%2Fgrants-and-funding-opportunities%2Fnotice-of-funding-opportunity-sustainable-u-s-palestinian-higher-education-partnerships%2F%3FMcasTsid%3D20892&McasCSRF=5421a084e54c1512dddac47a92d2af8fe7ec03fe1ac963b89db03a080cc39d73 and measurable. (Also see section A for the goals and objectives of this funding opportunity)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. Budget Justification Narrative: After filling out the SF-424A Budget form (above), use a separate page or document to create a budget narrative describing each of the budget expenses in detail. Please find here (Optional Templates) two sample templates (budget and budget narrative) that may be used to assist applicants in provision of budget information. See section H. Other Information: Guidelines for Budget Submissions below for further information.

5. Attachments:

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

• Letters of support from program partners describing the roles and responsibilities of each partner

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

• Official permission letters, if required for program activities

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

Required Registrations:

All organizations, 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 2023 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 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 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 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.

4. Submission Dates and Times

Applications are due no later than July 21, 2023 at 5 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time

5. Funding Restrictions

The following types of projects are not eligible for funding:

https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/sc/CageList.aspx

• Projects relating to partisan political activity

• Charitable or development activities

• Construction projects

• Projects that support specific religious activities or promote only one faith/religion

• Fundraising campaigns

• Lobbying for specific legislation or projects

• Projects intended primarily for the growth/institutional development/maintenance of the applicant organization or its partner organizations.

6. Other Submission Requirements

All application materials must be submitted by email with “Promoting market-driven skills for Palestinian university graduates” in the subject line to JerusalemPDJApplications@state.gov including your organization’s official registration.

E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

1. Criteria

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

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

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

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

Budget: The budget justification is detailed. Costs are reasonable in relation to the proposed activities and anticipated results. The budget is realistic, accounting for all necessary expenses to achieve proposed activities.

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

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

Note: Preference will be given to organizations not already funded by the OPA.

2. Review and Selection Process

A selection committee will evaluate all eligible applications.

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

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

For any Federal award under a notice of funding opportunity, if the Federal awarding agency anticipates that the total Federal share will be greater than the simplified acquisition threshold over the period of performance (see §200.88 Simplified Acquisition Threshold), this section must also inform applicants that:

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 SAM.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.

4. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates

The selection committee aims to announce the results in late September 2023 and awards will be issued no later than September 30, 2023.

F. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

1. Federal Award Notices

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

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

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

government, nor does it commit the U.S. government to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of proposals. Further, the U.S. government reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received.

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

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

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

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

These include:

• 2 CFR 25 - UNIVERSAL IDENTIFIER AND SYSTEM FOR AWARD

MANAGEMENT

• 2 CFR 170 - REPORTING SUBAWARD AND EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

INFORMATION

• 2 CFR 175 - AWARD TERM FOR TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS

• 2 CFR 182 - GOVERNMENTWIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR DRUG-FREE

WORKPLACE (FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE)

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• 2 CFR 183 - NEVER CONTRACT WITH THE ENEMY

• 2 CFR 600 – DEPARTMENT OF STATE REQUIREMENTS

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

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

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

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

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

• 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),

• 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),

• 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),

• 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

• Terminating agreements in whole or in part to the greatest extent authorized by law, if an award no longer effectuates the program goals or agency priorities (2 CFR part 200.340).

3. Reporting

Reporting Requirements: Recipients will be required to submit financial reports and program reports. The award document will specify how often these reports must be submitted. Generally, grantees are required to submit quarterly program progress and financial reports throughout the project period. Quarterly and semi-annual interim reports should be submitted no later than 30 days after the end of each reporting period. Annual reports should be submitted no later than 120 days after the end of each reporting period.

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Recipients should be given 120 days after the project or grant period end date to submit final program and financial reports.

G. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS

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

JerusalemPDJApplications@state.gov by June 30, 2023 with “Promoting market-driven skills for Palestinian university graduates” in the subject line.

H. OTHER INFORMATION

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

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

Equipment: Describe any machinery, furniture, or other personal property that is required for the program, which has a useful life of more than one year (or a life longer than the duration of the program), and costs at least $5,000 per unit.

Supplies: List and describe all the items and materials, including any computer devices, that are needed for the program. If an item costs more than $5,000 per unit, then put it in the budget under Equipment.

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

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

Indirect Costs: These are costs that cannot be linked directly to the program activities, such as overhead costs needed to help keep the organization operating. If your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, attach a copy of your latest NICRA. Organizations that have never had a NICRA may request indirect costs of 10% of the modified total direct costs as defined in 2 CFR 200.68.

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

“Cost Sharing” refers to contributions from the organization or other entities other than the U.S. Department of State. It also includes in-kind contributions such as volunteers’ time and donated venues.

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

[End of Funding Opportunity]