PDS-COL-2024-ACCESSPTNR NOFO.pdf

U.S. Department of State Embassy of the United States in Colombo, Sri Lanka

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

Program Office: Public Diplomacy Section, Embassy Colombo

Funding Opportunity Title: Design and Implementation of the English Access Program in Sri

Lanka

Announcement Type: Cooperative Agreement

Funding Opportunity Number: PDS-COL-2024-ACCESSPTNR

Deadline for Applications: October 21, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. (Colombo Time)

Assistance Listing Number: 19.022 Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs

ICS Goals: Mission Goal 3, Sub-objective 3.1.2

Total Amount Available: $156,000

CONTACT INFORMATION

• For questions relating to Grants.gov, please call the Grants.gov Contact Center at 1-800-

518-4726.

• For assistance with the requirements of this solicitation, contact

ColomboPDGrants@state.gov . Please note: Questions received on or before October

10, 2024, at 11:59 p.m., (Colombo Time) will be answered in a question-and-answer document and posted at www.lk.usembassy.gov on October 15, 2024.

In order to be eligible to receive an award under this NOFO, 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 begin the registration processes immediately to ensure the registrations are completed well in advance of the submission deadline. The process can require several weeks for the registrations to be validated and confirmed. See Section E for further details.

Due to the volume of applicants and inquiries, the Public Diplomacy Section does not accept letters of intent, concept papers, or requests for meetings or phone calls prior to application.

Please note date above by which any questions may be submitted.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application package has been received in its entirety. Incomplete applications will be considered ineligible. Applicants are urged to begin the application process well before the submission deadline. No exceptions will be made for organizations that have not completed the necessary steps.

mailto:ColomboPDGrants@state.gov http://www.lk.usembassy.gov/ http://www.sam.gov/

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Executive Summary:

The U.S. Embassy Colombo, Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) is pleased to announce a funding opportunity for organizations to submit applications to carry out the design and implementation of the English Access Scholarship Program, 2025-2027. Please follow all instructions below.

Background:

The English Access Scholarship Program (referred to as “Access” below) aims to empower bright, talented, and economically disadvantaged students by developing their English language proficiency and fostering a deeper understanding of U.S.-Sri Lanka cross-cultural relations. The program emphasizes 21st century and global citizenship skills to build confidence and inspire public service in an increasingly interconnected world. In addition to English language abilities, these skills include critical and creative thinking, leadership, information technology, civic engagement, and media literacy. Additionally, the curriculum incorporates U.S. culture and values while utilizing the latest TESOL methodologies.

The English language component should deliver a meaningful, interactive language learning experience reflective of student-centered teaching. Project-based and experiential approaches should be employed in order to help the learner use English to understand, discuss, and resolve authentic local and global challenges. Extracurricular and off-site immersion activities should help extend the language learning experience beyond the classroom.

Access classrooms should serve as strong educational models for a community. Programs should, where possible, share new and relevant practices with English teachers in other schools, especially those from which the Access students are chosen. Other members of the community, including interested administrators, content teachers, and future educators studying at nearby universities, can also be included in outreach efforts. The participants’ parents should also be made aware of what and how the students are learning and appraised of what they can do at home to encourage their children to learn more effectively. Civic outreach activities should further cement the connection between Access and the community. More information about the philosophy behind the program can be found at the website of the primary implementing partner: FHI360 (https://www.fhi360.org/).

Access is funded by the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs

(www.eca.state.gov) and overseen by the Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Embassy in Sri

Lanka.

https://www.fhi360.org/ http://www.eca.state.gov/

Program Audience(s):

In Sri Lanka, the typical age of participants at the beginning of the program is between 13 and

15, with no more than 2 years of difference between the oldest and youngest participants in a class. Ideally, students should finish the program before they commence studies for the

Ordinary Level Examination. Providers should keep in mind that the program is for student leaders from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds and that students need to be able to fulfill the required attendance rate of at least 80% throughout the program.

Program Goal:

The goal of Access is to provide participants with improved English language communication skills (e.g. speaking and listening) that may lead to better jobs and educational prospects, including future exchanges and study in the United States.

Program Objectives:

Objective 1: Recruit a diverse pool of 75 student leaders from 3 different low-income communities in Sri Lanka (25 per site) to participate in the program. Proposals for 50 students from 2 communities, or 100 students from 4 communities will also be considered.

Objective 2: Strengthen the English language communication skills of all participants by providing meaningful interaction, cooperative and student-centered learning strategies, interest- and age-appropriate activities, and real-life application of content.

Objective 3: Create program activities that emphasize the Four Pillars of Access: Global

Citizenship Themes, U.S. Culture and Values, 21st Century Skills, and English Language

Instruction

Objective 4: Increase professional and instructional skills of 6 local English teachers (2 per site) with training on new and modern teaching practices, to include both in-person courses and 2 hours of monthly online training during the program duration. Proposals for 4 teachers in 2 sites or 8 teachers in 4 sites will also be considered with a corresponding number of students

(25 per site).

Program Components:

After-School/Weekend Instruction

The Access Program must deliver 360 hours of total content to each student participant. The first and primary component of these hours should be the English classes that meet at least twice per week. Classes typically last from 1.5 to 2 hours. It is the responsibility of the Provider to consider the schedule of the students, especially during the initial recruitment phase, to ensure that Access classes do not interfere with students’ regular school schedule.

Extracurricular Activities

The second component is a program of extracurricular activities that promote global citizenship themes, U.S. culture and values, and 21st century skills. These activities are aimed at fostering

U.S-Sri Lanka cross-cultural understanding and promoting community service and leadership.

These activities are an opportunity for educators and students to be creative and extend the language learning experience beyond the classroom walls. Trips to museums, workplaces, educational institutes, theaters, or civic outreach activities are encouraged. In-school activity possibilities include filming role-plays, hosting a visiting speaker from the U.S. Embassy or local community, creating a web page in the computer lab, creating a program newspaper, or celebrating a key U.S. holiday.

Providers should plan a minimum of at one activity per month. The hours used for such activities will be counted as part of the total 360 hours of the program. These activities are usually between 1.5 to 4 hours.

Intensive Sessions

The third component is an “intensive” session or sessions. These can be conducted at the same location as regular instruction hours or can be held off-site to create more opportunity for students to bond with their classmates. Intensive sessions usually occur during school holidays or long weekends and last between 6 and 8 hours per day over 2 to 5 days. Successful programs in the past had students share meals and sleep over at the intensive session site. These hours are also counted toward the 360 required hours. These sessions will provide students with time to fully experience a sustained, English-medium environment outside of the classroom. A typical day consists of a variety of team-building activities, problem solving, and creative tasks that allow the students to gain confidence in English and to consolidate the global citizenship skills that they have been learning during the program.

Community Outreach

The Access site should serve as a model classroom. Efforts should be made to reach parents and other English teachers in the community, as well as include teachers of other subject matters, administrators, alumni, etc. in the Access experience where appropriate. While it is understandable that such efforts should not interrupt instructional hours, a plan should be made to reach out several times during the program to key groups that stand to gain from being informed about this unique program. Examples include holding a workshop for parents on how to support a child learning a foreign language or conducting a meeting for administrators to better understand how to create stronger foreign language programs in their own schools.

Program Implementation Locations:

Providers can submit proposals to conduct the program in any three of the following locations:

Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Ampara, Batticaloa, Rathnapura, Putalam, or Nuwara Eliya. Proposals for two or four sites will also be considered. The proposal should cover the above-mentioned sites where the Provider is confident it can deliver a safe space, with a qualified administrative and teaching staff, over the duration of the program. Each site should have 25 students per class. Clean and safe premises for high school aged students is required.

Program Calendar:

The program should begin in September 2025, depending on the length of the negotiation, contract finalization, and student selection phases. The total length of the program (to include program start-up, teacher and student selection, instruction hours and program closeout) will be no more than 24 months. Providers must prepare themselves to be as flexible as possible with regard to start dates while still accounting for the minimum of 360 student contact hours.

All program activities should conclude no later than December 31, 2027.

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Length of performance period: 24 months

Number of awards anticipated: two

Anticipated award amount: $78,000

Total available funding: $156,000

Award Ceiling: $104,000

Award Floor: $52,000

Type of Funding: FY24 The Fulbright–Hays Act of 1961 is officially known as the Mutual

Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961

Anticipated instruction start date: September 2025

This notice is subject to availability of funding.

Funding Instrument Type:

Cooperative agreement. Cooperative agreements are different from grants in that PDS staff are more actively involved in the grant implementation.

At the minimum, PDS will be involved with:

• Teacher selection

• Student selection

• Selection of location

• Professional Development for teachers and other details.

• Review of promotional material (e.g. t-shirts, etc.)

Program Performance Period:

Proposed programs should be completed no later than December 31, 2027.

Support for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA):

All programs should consider strategies for expanding the pool of individuals/organizations/beneficiaries to afford opportunities for as diverse and inclusive population as is feasible to bring diverse perspectives based on religion, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, sex characteristics, national origin, and age to implementation of the program.

PDS reserves the right to award less or more than the funds described under circumstances deemed to be in the best interest of the U.S. government, pending the availability of funds and approval of the designated grants officer.

C. ELIGIBILTY INFORMATION

Eligible Applicants:

The following organizations with a background in Education are eligible to apply:

• Not-for-profit organizations

Cost Sharing or Matching:

Cost sharing or matching is not required for this funding opportunity.

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 for more information.

This opportunity will not support:

• Projects relating to partisan political activity;

• Charitable or development activities;

• Construction projects;

• Projects that support specific religious activities;

• Fund-raising campaigns;

• Lobbying for specific legislation or programs;

• Scientific research or surveys;

• Commercial projects;

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

• Projects that duplicate existing projects; or

• Illegal activities

D. ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

Program Technical and Infrastructure Requirements:

The provider must specify the venue(s) and space(s) that will be used for the classes and activities. The provider must either provide verification that the space belongs to the grantee or a written agreement with the holder of the space. The space must have seating for 25 students and have two teachers conducting the classes for each center; it must have a blackboard/whiteboard, power outlet, an area where students could be creative and productive, and adequate sanitary facilities. The space should also have internet capability or a written plan by the provider for securing internet access in time for the start of the program. Providers are also encouraged to describe any other unique learning spaces on the premises that are accessible to the program and that add to the overall experience (Computer lab facilities, garden, sports facility, etc.). Access follows the “My World” textbook published by NatGeo.

Student Selection:

No children from families of the provider’s administrative or teaching staff may be selected.

The application process must be announced widely in the target community (e.g. newspaper, other local media, pamphlets, posters in schools). Further, it is recommended that the provider use an application to shortlist those students who will receive interviews. The interview and application should be in both English and the native language.

The Provider is responsible for demonstrating that students enrolled in the program fit the target audience:

• Are economically disadvantaged youth (demonstrated by documents from the village officer appointed by the Central Government to carry out administrative duties in the

Grama Niladhari Division).

• Are academically capable (demonstrated by official school transcript from previous year and/or aptitude and attitude in interview)

• Are motivated to learn English and help their communities (demonstrated in an application and interview)

• Are between 13 and 14 years old at time of recruitment

Teacher Selection:

Teachers in this program should have a minimum of two years’ experience teaching English full-time in any institution, though preferably at a primary or secondary level. Teachers should have a degree or diploma in English language teaching or education. All instructors must be fluent in English and have cross-cultural experience (e.g. working with multi-ethnic classrooms or teaching abroad) preferably with U.S. culture (familiarity with the culture is stressed over actually having visited the U.S.). Teachers should have progressive views about teaching methodology, employing student-centered approaches that lead to interactive classes. Teachers should be adept at integrating modern technology into the classroom, and at creating a comfortable risk-taking atmosphere that allows students to learn in a non-competitive and intellectually stimulating environment.

Project Proposals:

PDS reserves the right to split the project between two or more providers and may ask that providers adjust their final proposals and budgets as necessary. All possible costs – instruction, books/materials, transportation, activities, administration, food and possible accommodation for intensive sessions – should be included in the budget proposal. Additional funds will not be provided.

E. THE PROPOSAL

All required application forms are available at U.S. Embassy Sri Lanka website and www.grants.gov. Providers must use these proposal and budget templates to submit their proposals. The proposal should contain enough information so that anyone unfamiliar with the project can clearly understand what the applicant intends to accomplish. Please refer to the

Access Provider Handbook (https://Handbook.Access-Program.org) for more information.

Other items NOT required/requested with the application submission, but which may be requested if your application is approved to move forward in the review process include:

• Key Personnel Resumes: A résumé, not to exceed one page in length, can be included for the proposed key staff persons, such as the Project Director, Program Manager, and

Finance Officer

• Indirect Costs: If your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement

(NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, your latest NICRA should be included in the application submission.

• Proof of Non-profit Status: Documentation to demonstrate the applicant’s non-profit status.

• Copies of relevant human resources, financial, or procurement policies

• Copies of other relevant organizational policies or documentation that would help the

Department determine your organization’s capacity to manage a federal grant award overseas.

• Information to determine what financial controls and standard operating procedures an organization uses to procure goods and services, hire staff and track time and attendance, pay for grant-related travel, and identify other financial transactions that may be necessary to undertake the project activities

The Embassy reserves the right to request any additional programmatic and/or financial information regarding the proposal.

Providers are encouraged to submit proposals for $78,000 covering 3 sites with 75 students and

6 teachers but can submit proposals of either $52,000 (2 sites, 50 students, 4 teachers) or

$104,000 (4 sites, 100 students, 8 teachers), depending on the provider’s capability, infrastructure, and geographic spread. The total project budget, divided by the number of students served, should not exceed $1,040.00 per student.

http://www.grants.gov/

Pre-award costs are not an allowable expense for this funding opportunity.

Content and Form of Applications:

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

Applicants must ensure:

• Proposal clearly addresses the goals, audiences, and objectives of this notice.

• All documents are in English.

• All budgets are in U.S. dollars.

• All applicant authorized signatures are provided where indicated on the various required forms.

• They can, upon request, complete all sections in SF-424 (Application for Federal

Assistance – organizations) Note: this form and the instructions for completing it are available at http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms.html under the heading “SF-424

Family.”

Provider’s Proposal Must Demonstrate That They Can:

• Plan and prepare programming while working closely with the U.S. Embassy and

Regional English Language Officer (RELO)

• Draft proposals that meet program requirements and submit them for approval to the

U.S. Embassy.

• Advertise and recruit participants for student scholarships and alumni programming and for professional development opportunities for teachers, directors, administrators, and ministry officials.

• Collaborate with the U.S. Embassy during the participant selection process.

• Implement the program according to verbal and written guidelines from the U.S.

Embassy, approved proposals, and signed official documents.

https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/

• Nominate participants for workshops and other professional development opportunities in coordination with the U.S. Embassy and RELO.

• Regularly monitor and evaluate the program to ensure that it is implemented in accordance with relevant official documents.

• Send invitations to the U.S. Embassy about special events, providing opportunities for

U.S. Embassy personnel to visit and speak with Access participants, teachers, and other in-country educational service provider staff.

• Coordinate with the U.S. Embassy to distribute certificates signed by the U.S.

Ambassador or other U.S. Embassy officer to the students at the beginning and end of the program.

• Submit timely programmatic and financial reports, as well as alumni data, according to the schedule outlined in official documents and when requested by the U.S. Embassy.

• Keep the U.S. Embassy and RELO informed about significant developments or changes in the program, e.g. teachers leaving, classes being temporarily canceled, etc.

• Obtain prior approval from the Ministry of Education and other local authorities as required to conduct the program.

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

Required Registration: All organizations applying for grants must obtain a SAM.gov registration as well as a Unique Entity Identifier Number (UEI). Registration through www.SAM.gov is free of charge.

The Unique Entity Identifier (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. SAM.gov is the Federal government's primary database for complying with FFATA reporting requirements. OMB designated SAM.gov as the central repository to facilitate applicant and recipient use of a single public website that consolidates data on all federal financial assistance. Under the law, it is mandatory to register in SAM.gov.

Starting April 2022, the UEI will be assigned when an organization registers or renews its registration in SAM.gov at www.SAM.gov. To access SAM.gov an organization is required to have a Login.gov account. Organization can create an account at https://login.gov/ https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/retrieveECFR?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sam.gov%2F&data=04%7C01%7Cfjeldkk%40state.gov%7C8a179f425ec644553b0a08da0c446ace%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C637835785239027166%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=1O%2BquRWkk5TWZ9R%2FzeWA%2BjVqSPwgts5FKs5lUXBCVGU%3D&reserved=0 https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html?url=https%3A%2F%2Flogin.gov%2F&data=04%7C01%7Cfjeldkk%40state.gov%7C8a179f425ec644553b0a08da0c446ace%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C637835785239027166%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=tZgLWndOJE4QfgsenOHTZxlAyGwD1%2FcsHk9zT0XqO9g%3D&reserved=0

SAM.gov requires all entities to renew their registration once a year in order to maintain an active registration status in SAM.gov. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure it has an active registration in SAM.gov.

If an organization plans to issue a sub-contract or sub-award, those sub-awardees must also have a unique entity identifier (UEI number). Those entities can register for a UEI only at

SAM.gov.

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

Please note: Any applicant with an exclusion in the System for Award Management (SAM) is not eligible to apply for an assistance award in accordance with the OMB guidelines at 2 CFR 180 that implement Executive Orders 12549 (3 CFR, 1986 Comp., p. 189) and 12689 (3 CFR, 1989 Comp.,

p. 235), “Debarment and Suspension.”

Application Submission Process:

Submit all application materials directly to the following email address:

ColomboPDGrants@state.gov. Applicants must include the Funding Opportunity Title and

Funding Opportunity Number in the subject line of the email.

Submission Deadline: All applications must be received by October 21, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.

(Colombo Time). Questions received on or before October 10, 2024, at 11:59 p.m., (Colombo

Time) will be answered in a question-and-answer document and posted at www.lk.usembassy.gov by October 15, 2024.

F. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

1. Criteria: Each application submitted under this announcement will be evaluated and rated on the basis of the criteria enumerated below. The criteria are designed to assess the quality of the proposed project and to determine the likelihood of its success.

• 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.

mailto:ColomboPDGrants@state.gov http://www.lk.usembassy.gov/

• Organizational Capacity and Record on Previous Grants – 15 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 – 15 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.

• 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: Proposals will detail a plan for on-going engagement with alumni and teachers.

• 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

a. Acknowledgement of receipt. Applicants will receive acknowledgment of receipt of their proposal.

b. Review. All submissions are screened for technical eligibility. If a submission is missing any required forms/documents listed above in Section E, it will be considered ineligible and will not be reviewed by the grants review committee. A technical review panel will review eligible proposals based upon the criteria noted in this NOFO.

c. Follow up notification. Applicants will generally be notified within 120 days after the

NOFO deadline regarding the results of the review panel.

3. Responsibility/Qualification Information in www.SAM.gov.

G. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

The grant award or cooperative agreement will be overseen 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 project expenses beginning on the start date shown on the final grant award document.

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.

The Federal government is not obligated to make any Federal award as a result of the announcement. 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.

Administrative and National Policy Requirements

Terms and Conditions:

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

http://www.sam.gov/ https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=81a5f41de81c46a9844617d93a9db081&mc=true&node=pt2.1.25&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=81a5f41de81c46a9844617d93a9db081&mc=true&node=pt2.1.170&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=81a5f41de81c46a9844617d93a9db081&mc=true&node=pt2.1.175&rgn=div5 http://www.grants.gov/?SID=81a5f41de81c46a9844617d93a9db081&mc=true&node=pt2.1.182&rgn=div5 http://www.grants.gov/?SID=81a5f41de81c46a9844617d93a9db081&mc=true&node=pt2.1.182&rgn=div5 https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings/worldwide-caution.html?SID=81a5f41de81c46a9844617d93a9db081&mc=true&node=pt2.1.183&rgn=div5 mailto:PAS-Proposals@state.gov?SID=81a5f41de81c46a9844617d93a9db081&mc=true&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2chapterVI.tpl https://www.state.gov/about-us-office-of-the-procurement-executive/

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).

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility

The Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA) prioritizes inclusive and integrated programs that address barriers to access for individuals and groups based on their religion, gender, disabilities, ethnicity, or sexual orientation and gender identity. In accordance with the

Executive Order on Advancing Racial Equity and Underserved Communities, proposals should demonstrate how the program will advance principles of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and

Accessibility (DEIA) related to race, ethnicity, religion, income, geography, gender identity, sexual orientation, and/or disability.

Proposals should demonstrate how addressing racial equity and/or the status of underserved communities will enhance the program’s goals and objectives, as well as the experience of participants.

The support of underserved communities will be part of the review criteria for this opportunity.

Therefore, proposals should clearly demonstrate how the program will support and advance https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=81a5f41de81c46a9844617d93a9db081&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5 https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/01/20/executive-order-advancing-racial-equity-and-support-for-underserved-communities-through-the-federal-government/ equity and engage underserved communities in the program’s administration, design, and implementation phases.

Definitions:

Diversity:

The term “diversity” means the practice of including the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, cultures, and beliefs of a community.

Equity:

The term “equity” means the consistent and systematic fair, just, and impartial treatment of all individuals, including individuals who belong to underserved communities that have been denied such treatment, such as ethnic minorities, and indigenous persons, members of religious minorities; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) persons; persons with disabilities; persons who live in rural areas; and persons otherwise adversely affected by persistent poverty or inequality.

Inclusion:

The term “inclusion” means the recognition, appreciation, and use of the talents and skills of persons of all backgrounds.

Accessibility:

The term “accessibility” means the design, construction, development, and maintenance of facilities, information and communication technology, programs, and services so that all people, including people with disabilities, can fully and independently use them.

Underserved communities:

The term “underserved communities” refers to populations sharing a particular characteristic, as well as geographic communities, that have been systematically denied a full opportunity to participate in aspects of economic, social, and civic life, as exemplified by the list in the preceding definition of “equity.”

Reporting

Recipients are required to submit program progress and financial reports throughout the project period, no more than quarterly. The progress and financial reports must be submitted through the Access portal no later than 30 days after the reporting period (either quarterly or semesterly). Final certified programmatic and financial reports are due 120 days after the close of the project period.

All reports are to be submitted electronically.

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.

H. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS

If you have any questions about this funding opportunity or the grant application process, please contact ColomboPDGrants@state.gov

Question Deadline: For questions on this solicitation, please contact

ColomboPDGrants@state.gov. Questions must be received on or before October 10, 2024, by

11:59 p.m. (Colombo Time). Applicants should not expect an email response to questions.

Rather, responses to questions received before the deadline will be answered in a question-and-answer document and posted at http://www.grants.gov and www.lk.usembassy.gov no later than October 15, 2024.

I. 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.

mailto:ColomboPDGrants@state.gov mailto:ColomboPDGrants@state.gov http://www.grants.gov/

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.

Branding Requirements:

As a condition of receipt of a grant award, all materials produced pursuant to the award, including training materials, materials for recipients or materials to communicate or promote with foreign audiences a program, event, project, or some other activity under an agreement, including but not limited to invitations to events, press materials, and backdrops, podium signs, etc. must be marked appropriately with the standard, rectangular U.S. flag in a size and prominence equal to (or greater than) any other logo or identity. All Access documents, applications, banners, t-shirts, publications, etc. must feature the U.S. Embassy logo and the

Access logo, and they must be the most prominent if displayed with other logos. Access is written as a word (Access), not as an acronym (ACCESS).

Note: Exceptions to the branding requirement are allowable under certain conditions. If an applicant is notified that their award has been chosen for funding, the Grants Officer will determine, in consultation with the applicant, if an exception is applicable.

Copyrights and Proprietary Information

If any of the information contained in your application is proprietary, please note in the footer of the appropriate pages that the information is Confidential – Proprietary. Applicants should also note what parts of the application, program, concept, etc. are covered by copyright(s), trademark(s), or any other intellectual property rights and provide copies of the relevant documentation to support these copyrights.

STEP Enrollment

U.S. citizens who travel to Sri Lanka are encouraged to enroll in the Department of State's

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) available at: https://step.state.gov/step/. Enrollment enables citizens to receive security-related messages from the Embassy and makes it easier for us to locate you in an emergency. The Embassy also recommends that all travelers review the State Department's travel website at travel.state.gov for the Worldwide Caution, Travel

Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Sri Lanka Specific Information.

mailto:HunterDS@state.gov http://travel.state.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms.html https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html mailto:PAS-Proposals@state.gov https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/