PDS-CHISINAU-FY24-04_2024-07-16.docx

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

EMBASSY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TO MOLDOVA

Public Diplomacy Section

NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The U.S. Embassy provides alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs with funding to expand on skills gained during their exchange experience to design and implement innovative solutions to global challenges facing their community.

The U.S. Embassy invites USG exchange program alumni to submit project proposals that actively tackle Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) challenges in innovative and impactful ways. These projects should aim to meet one or more of the following objectives:

• Diversity: Promote the inclusion of underrepresented groups, celebrate cultural diversity, and amplify voices from diverse backgrounds.

• Equity: Address systemic barriers to ensure fair access to resources, opportunities, and rights for all community members.

• Inclusion: Foster inclusive environments where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered to contribute.

• Accessibility: Enhance access to services, information, and facilities for individuals with disabilities and other marginalized groups.

Projects could range from initiatives that advocate for policy changes to support marginalized communities, educational programs that enhance access to quality education, promotion of social entrepreneurship to community-based projects that improve accessibility and inclusivity in local communities.

This funding opportunity is authorized by the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.

Priority Region:

This funding opportunity is open to organizations throughout the country, and no priority regions have been defined.

Program Objectives:

This grant initiative aims to drive systemic change and promote Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) principles through diverse projects, including:

1. Enhancing Access to Quality Education:

o Objective: Improve educational opportunities and outcomes for underserved groups within the community.

2. Promoting Social Entrepreneurship:

o Objective: Foster a culture of social entrepreneurship within the community, encouraging individuals from diverse backgrounds to develop innovative solutions for local social and environmental challenges.

3. Improving Accessibility and Inclusivity in Local Communities:

o Objective: Enhance physical, digital, and social accessibility within the community to ensure equitable participation for all residents, including those with disabilities.

Participants and Audiences:

These objectives aim to empower local communities by addressing specific challenges related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility through targeted initiatives and collaborative efforts. They seek to create positive and sustainable impacts that enhance quality of life and foster a more inclusive and supportive community environment.

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Length of performance period: Maximum 24 months Number of awards anticipated: 4 awards (dependent on amounts) Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $20,000 to a maximum of $40,000 Total available funding: $85,000 Type of Funding: AEECA Funds

This notice is subject to availability of funding.

Funding Instrument Type: Grants

The Department of State will entertain applications for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the initial budget period on a non-competitive basis subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the program, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the U.S. Department of State.

C. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

1. Eligible Applicants

The following organizations are eligible to apply:

- Not-for-profit organizations (including think-tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations)

Eligible applicants are considered alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs. Projects teams that include teams of at least two (2) alumni are preferred.

Applicants must have dedicated full-time staff to carry out the project's activities and demonstrate their ability to:

· Communicate efficiently and carry out their activities in accordance with the scope, goal, and substance of the project.

· Develop partnerships with different relevant stakeholders.

· Develop communication strategies.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

Applicants are not required to include funding from other donors.

3. Other Eligibility Requirements

In order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a unique entity identifier (UEI), as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov. Please see Section D.3 for information on how to obtain these registrations.

Applicants are allowed to submit more than one proposal for this opportunity.

The Public Diplomacy Section reserves the right to request additional background information on applicants that do not have previous experience administering federal grant awards, and these applicants may be subject to limited funding on a pilot basis.

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

1. Address to Request Application Package

All Application forms and formats required below are available for download on the Related Documents tab on Grants.gov opportunity page.

We recommend that you complete the application form offline and then copy the information to the online form at this link:

https://forms.office.com/g/QtwWTqnUEk

When you submit the application make sure you enter the correct Funding Opportunity Number and include your correct email accounts. The standard forms will be generated automatically and sent to you via email for signature. You will be asked to sign these forms and return them together with the required attachments. Instructions will be provided via email.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

Please ensure:

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

· All documents are in English

· All budgets are in U.S. dollars

A complete application must contain the following mandatory elements:

· Application Format in MS Word format (available for download)

· Detailed Budget in MS Excel format (available for download)

· CVs of the implementation team

· Monitoring and Evaluation Plan (including indicators, baselines, targets).

· NICRA: 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.

Attachments will be sent via email when requested. Unsolicited attachments will not be read and should not be submitted for this award.

Do not archive/compress documents. The documents should be attached as individual files and sent in one email before the deadline. Do not send the application package more than once.

It is the responsibility of all applicants to ensure that proposals have been submitted on time. The U.S. Embassy bears no responsibility for data errors during the transmission or conversion processes.

Please contact us if you experience technical problems or are unable to submit an electronic version of the application.

3. Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) 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.

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.

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.

If an organization does not have an active registration in SAM.gov prior to submitting an application, the application will be deemed ineligible. All organizations applying for grants (except individuals) must obtain these registrations, the latter are free of charge.

Be Aware:

SAM.gov is a free government-managed website; applicants do not need to pay to have their organization registered. A/OPE receives frequent reports that recipients are contacted by organizations posing as SAM.gov and threatening to cut off registration unless a fee is paid for registration or renewal. These emails are not coming from SAM.gov.

Please read the available Guide for SAM.GOV registration in Romanian before registering.

SAM.GOV Registration Guide (Romanian)

Please do not contact the U.S. Embassy regarding the registration process.

4. Submission Dates and Times

Submission Deadline: 19 Aug 2024 18:00

5. Funding Restrictions

The Grants Program cannot fund:

· Organizations with affiliation to elected officials, political parties, or religious groups;

· Humanitarian or charitable activities, including direct social services to populations;

· Fundraising campaigns;

· Career development;

· Political or partisan activities;

· Scientific research;

· Individual trips abroad;

· Trade activities;

· Health projects;

· Construction costs;

· Pre-award costs.

6. Other Submission Requirements

N/A

E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

The Program will fund proposals that best address the Program’s themes and that reflect the values of the United States and the mandate of the Embassy of the United States of America. Successful proposals will contain accurate and well-developed implementation plans and clear explanations of how the project goals will be achieved.

Project selection is competitive.

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 (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.

2. Review and Selection Process

The Program Review Committee is made up of heads of sections or their delegates of the U.S. Embassy in Moldova. The panel members have at least 10 working days to read the projects and then convene to review and discuss the project proposals and recommend selected projects for funding.

The selected awards of the committee are confirmed by the Front Office of the U.S. Embassy and submitted to the U.S. Department of State in Washington, DC for final approval.

3. Responsibility/Qualification Information in SAM.gov

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 on any Federal award under a notice of funding opportunity may include, over the period of performance (see §200.88 Simplified Acquisition Threshold), this section must also inform applicants:

i. That 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 designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM (see 41 U.S.C. 2313);

ii. That an applicant, at its option, may review information in the designated integrity and performance systems accessible through SAM and comment on any information about itself that a Federal awarding agency previously entered and is currently in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM;

iii. That 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.

F. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

1. Federal Award Notices

Applicants will be notified electronically about selection results. An email message will be sent to the email addresses included in the application (authorized representative and a carbon copy to the project contact person). Grants Program Staff might also contact the applicant to request additional information or to clarify certain aspects of the application documents; therefore, it is important to provide accurate contact information.

Unsuccessful program applicants will receive an email notification. The Grants Program will not provide specific reasons for rejection.

Successful program applicants must sign a Notice of Award (grant agreement) before receiving the funds. The grant or cooperative agreement will be written, signed, awarded, and administered by the Grants Officer. The Notice of Federal Award signed by the grants officer 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 award document signed by the Grants Officer.

No costs should be incurred by the applicant prior to signing a Notice of Award.

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.

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

· 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:

· 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 in English. The award document will specify how often these reports must be submitted.

(a) Program Reports: U.S. Embassy Chisinau requires program reports describing and analyzing the results of activities undertaken during the validity period of the agreement. A program report is required within 30 days following the end of each three-month period of performance during the validity period of the agreement. The final program report is due 120 days following the end of the agreement. Monthly progress briefs may also be required.

(b) Financial Reports: Financial reports are required within 30 days following the end of each calendar year quarter during the validity period of the agreement (January 30th, April 30th, July 30th, October 30th). The final financial report covering the entire period of the agreement is required within 120 days after the expiration date of the agreement.

Reports reflecting expenditures should be completed in accordance with the Federal Financial Report SF-425 (click to download) and in accordance with other award specific requirements.

The U.S. Embassy reserves the right to contract certified auditors to conduct program and financial audits of the projects funded under this Notice of Funding Opportunity.

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.

G. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACT(S)

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

Grants Program Moldovagrants@state.gov

H. OTHER INFORMATION

Disclaimer

Organizations that submit applications in response to this announcement acknowledge and accept all of the requirements contained herein. This announcement serves as notice to select interested parties to have equal opportunity to submit project proposals for funding consideration. All submissions in response to this announcement are voluntary and do not obligate the Department of State to fund any proposal or proposal preparation costs.

Issuance of this Request for Proposals does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the Government, nor does it commit the Government to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of proposals. Further, the Government reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received. If a proposal is selected for funding, the Department of State has no obligation to provide any additional future funding in connection with the award. Renewal of an award to increase funding or extend the period of performance is at the total discretion of the Department of State.

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.

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

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

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