PDS Conakry SPCPS FY22 RSOI.pdf

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

U.S. EMBASSY CONAKRY PUBLIC DIPLOMACY SECTION

Notice of Funding Opportunity: Statement of Interest

Funding Opportunity Title: U.S. Embassy Conakry PDS

Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability Request for Statements of Interest

Funding Opportunity Number: DOS-PDS-CONAKRY-FY22-02 Deadline for Applications: July 1, 2023 Assistance Listing: 19.979 (Regional Peace and Security) Total Amount Available: Approximately $550,000 (Subject to Availability of

Funds) Maximum for Each Award: Varies (See Priority Program Objectives)

The U.S. Embassy is unable to provide individual feedback on non-selected Statements of Interest.

Executive Summary: On April 1, 2022, the White House announced the list of priority countries and regions under the U.S. Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability (SPCPS). Priority countries include Haiti, Libya, Mozambique, Papua New Guinea, and one region coastal West Africa, including Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, and Togo.

The objectives of the U.S. Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability in specific to Guinea are:

(1) Strengthen social cohesion within and between at-risk communities by improving and increasing equitable access to livelihoods and economic opportunity; reducing community tensions and stigmatization between and among historically marginalized communities; and reducing instrumentalization of communal identities.

(2) Improve government responsiveness, inclusion, and accountability, to at-risk communities by strengthening inclusive, democratic politically processes both locally and nationally;

strengthening the environment for accountability and transparency; improving service delivery;

and improving access to and trust in the justice sector.

As part of this initiative to prevent conflicts and promote stability in Guinea, the U.S. Embassy in Conakry, Guinea, through this Request for Statements of Interest (RSOI), is pleased to announce an open competition for organizations to submit applications to implement projects that strengthen social cohesion and improve government responsiveness, inclusion, and accountability in the regions of Guinea most vulnerable to conflict and instability.

A total of $550,000 U.S. Dollars (USD) in FY 2022 Regional Peace and Security Funds will be awarded through this RSOI (pending availability of funds), with individual grants expected to be awarded in the range of $50,000 - $250,000 U.S. Dollars (USD) for work that will support program objectives.

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The U.S. Embassy Conakry Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit a statement of interest (SOI) to carry out programs that strengthen social cohesion and improve government responsiveness, inclusion, and accountability in the regions of Guinea most vulnerable to conflict and instability.

PDS Conakry invites organizations interested in potential funding to submit SOI applications outlining program concepts that reflect these goals. Please carefully follow all instructions below.

The submission of the SOI is the first step in a two-step process. Applicants must first submit a concise one- to three-page statement of interest designed to clearly communicate program idea and objectives. This is not a full proposal. The purpose of the SOI process is to allow applicants to submit program ideas for evaluation prior to the required development of a full proposal application. Upon a merit review of eligible SOIs, selected applicants will be invited to expand on their program idea(s) by submitting a full proposal application. Full proposals will go through a second merit review before final funding decision(s) are made.

Program Objectives:

As part of the U.S. strategy to prevent conflict and promote stability in coastal West Africa, the U.S. Embassy in Conakry seeks to advance the following objectives:

Objective 1: Social cohesion is strengthened within and between at-risk communities.

Sub-Objectives 1.1 Improved and equitable access to livelihoods and economic opportunity

1.2 Reduced community tensions and stigmatization between and among historically marginalized communities

1.3 Reduced instrumentalization of communal identities for political purposes

Objective 2: Improved government responsiveness, inclusion, and accountability, to at-risk communities.

Sub-Objectives 2.1 Strengthened inclusive, democratic political processes both locally and nationally

2.2 Strengthened environment for accountability and transparency

2.3 Improved service delivery

2.4 Improved access to and trust in the justice sector

PDS Conakry invites SOIs for programs that advance these aims. All programs must engage the Guinean public through informational, educational and/or cultural programs, and similar outreach efforts that strengthen understanding of the United States, including its society, culture, politics, and values; build support for U.S. policies; and further mutual understanding.

Monitoring and Evaluation The SPCPS places significant importance on monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL). In preparing their Statements of Interest (SOI), applicants are recommended to clearly articulate how they will monitor, assess, and evaluate program progress against one or both of the referenced SPCPS objectives and sub-objectives. Once a grantee(s) is selected, the Public Diplomacy Section may work with the implementer to incorporate specific SPCPS MEL components, including indicators or reporting requirements, into their MEL plan.

The monitoring and evaluation component of the proposal should outline in detail how the proposal’s activities will advance the program’s goals and objectives (listed above).

A strong proposal will include:

1. Any outcomes the grantee expects to occur because of their program. Outcomes could include: change in knowledge, awareness, and attitudes; improved quality of services;

increased capacity at a school, group; etc. Proposals should also include how the grantee will know those outcomes are occurring (surveys, interviews, observations, etc.)

a. For example: If the program expects that a teacher-training program will improve the skills of a teacher, a proposal may explain the skills the teacher would gain and plan to perform a pre and post survey that would show a change in understanding due to the program.

b. These outcomes must directly align with the Objectives and Sub-Objectives identified in the “Program Objectives” section of this notice. Applications will be evaluated, in part, based on the strength of the theoretical and logical connection between the stated project Objectives and Sub-Objectives and the outputs and outcomes identified in the application.

2. A schedule of when grant activities will occur (such as participant selection, workshops, travel, lectures, trainings, etc.), and when the grantee will check the grant’s progress to know how it is performing. Results of those checks are expected to be reported in the grants monitoring reports.

3. A plan to include the grantee’s reflection of how their program, as a whole, contributed to the program’s goals. As applicable, a strong final report would be supported by success stories, behaviors changed, lessons learned, and results obtained.

Applicants Shall:

1. Enumerate specific outputs and outcomes to be achieved by the end of the grant period, using a Grantee M&E Performance Management Plan (PMP).

2. Propose specific indicators to measure the articulated outputs and outcomes.

3. Identify the method by which applicants will collect, analyze, and store data used to report against these aforementioned indicators.

4. Identify the time intervals in which data will be collected and reported for the program.

5. Describe the way in which the results of these data collection efforts will be communicated to the grantor (Embassy Conakry).

Grantees may use the PMP template provided as attachment 1.

Priority Program Objectives and Audiences Project proposals submitted through this RSOI should address one of the following Priority Program Objectives:

Building Social Cohesion through Radio Stations Program: This program aims to foster peace and build community cohesion, through creating and transmitting radio programming in the primary languages native to eastern Guinea (i.e., Fulfude, Kissi, Kpelle, Koniaka, and Mano).

Radio programming will include a minimum of three hours of broadcast time per week, at set times each week, for 52 weeks. Programming should include peace-building conversations with and among relevant and influential religious leaders, government officials, security forces, civil society members, community leaders, women leaders, youth activists, other influential proponents of community cohesion in the region. Programming should also include educational content related to government assistance and other resources, including but not limited to information related to registering to vote in local and national elections, registering for schools, receiving healthcare, vaccinating livestock, reporting criminality, and filing legal proceedings. Project resources may also be dedicated to targeted media training for local leaders, religious leaders, and other community influencers participating in radio programming.

offered by the Embassy. (One to three awards anticipated, expected awards of $50,000 - $250,000 per proposal).

Training Journalists and Building Media Literacy: This program aims to train an estimated 40+ journalists from areas vulnerable to conflict and instability to promote reporting on violent extremism, misinformation, and the Government of Guinea’s response. A key lesson learned from the Sahel is the importance of journalistic freedom and professionalism. Social cohesion depends on civilians trusting in their government and being able to hold governments’ accountable for their actions. Journalists play a key role in this relationship by reporting directly to civilians with evidence and facts. Without professional journalists, civilians are liable to lose faith in their government either due to a lack of accountability or misinformation misconstruing current events. (One to three awards anticipated, expected awards of $50,000 - $250,000 per proposal).

Digital Tools for Innovation Workshop: This program seeks to expand the successful Digital Tools for Innovation workshop that the U.S. Embassy sponsored in 2022 from a three-day workshop to a yearlong program supporting economic livelihoods in areas vulnerable to conflict and instability. In July 2022, Embassy Conakry collaborated with a local partner and an international tech representative to design a multi-faceted program that featured (1) a rigorous vetting process; (2) a networking brunch at the Ambassador's residence to kick off the event;

(3) training on digital tools supplemented by mentorship sessions with local business leaders;

(4) a competition giving participants the opportunity to hone their business pitches; and (5) a commitment to re-convene workshop participants later in 2022 to measure progress toward business goals. Program participants grew their businesses online, expanding their digital toolkits to advance business objectives, and creating opportunities to build their business networks. The U.S. Embassy in Conakry seeks proposals for projects that can build on the 2022 Digital Tools for Innovation workshop, expanding the training and entrepreneurship program to reach Guinea’s under-resourced communities and providing more in-depth longer-term digital skills and entrepreneurship training. (One to three awards anticipated, expected awards of $50,000 - $250,000 per proposal).

Note: Depending on availability of funds, proposals for projects outside the scope of the priority areas listed above may also be considered for funding as long as they advance the overarching program goals of conflict prevention and stability promotion and adhere to the program guidelines described in this RSOI.

The following types of programs are not eligible for funding:

• Programs relating to partisan political activity;

• Charitable or development activities;

• Construction programs;

• Programs that support specific religious activities;

• Fund-raising campaigns;

• Lobbying for specific legislation or programs;

• Scientific research;

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

• Programs that duplicate existing programs.

Authorizing legislation, type and year of funding:

The Statutory Authority for this program is FY2022 Foreign Assistance 19.979 (Regional Peace and Security).

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Length of performance period: 6 to 12 months Number of awards anticipated: varies (dependent on amounts) Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $50,000 to a maximum of $250,000.

Total available funding: $550,000 (Anticipated Subject to Availability of Funds) Type of Funding: FY22 Regional Peace and Security Funds under the Foreign Assistance Act (19.979)

Anticipated program start date: Varies

This notice is subject to availability of funds.

This opportunity is subject to availability of funds and does not commit the U.S. Government to making an award.

Funding Instrument Type: Grant, Fixed Amount Award, Individual Award, or Cooperative Agreement.

Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 12 months or less.

US Embassy Conakry retains the right to execute non-competitive continuation amendment(s). Any amendment(s) is based on performance, pending availability of funds and is not guaranteed.

C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION

1. Eligible Applicants

The Public Diplomacy Section encourages applications from U.S. and Guinean:

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

• Non-profit or governmental educational institutions;

• Governmental institutions.

• For-profit organizations

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

Cost sharing is not required. When cost sharing is offered, it is understood and agreed that the applicant must provide the amount of cost sharing as stipulated in its proposal.

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 E.4 for more information. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov.

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

The U.S. Embassy Conakry Public Diplomacy Section will accept proposals until July 1, 2023. A grants committee including U.S. Embassy employees will review eligible applications in July 2023. All application materials must be submitted by email to PASConakryGrants@state.gov.

http://www.sam.gov/

All Statements of Interest SOI applications should ensure that the following requirements are met:

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

Content of Application Please ensure:

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

• All documents are in English

• All budgets are in U.S. dollars

• All pages are numbered

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

• All Microsoft Word documents are single-spaced, 12-point Calibri font, with a minimum of 1-inch margins.

The following document is required:

1. Program Statement of Interest (not to exceed 3 pages in Microsoft Word) that includes:

• A table listing:

o Name of the organization;

o The target country/countries;

o The total amount of funding requested from PDS Conakry, total amount of cost-share (if any), and total program amount (PD funds + cost-share); and, o Program length;

• A synopsis of the program, including a brief statement on how the program will have a demonstrated impact and engage relevant stakeholders.

• A concise breakdown explicitly identifying the program’s objectives and the activities and expected results that contribute to each objective; and,

• A brief description of the applicant(s) that demonstrates the applicant(s) expertise and capacity to implement the program and manage a U.S. government award.

The deadline for submission of SOIs is July 1, 2023.

E. APPLICATION REVIEW CRITERIA

1. Criteria

• Quality of Program Idea: Short narrative that outlines the proposed program, including program objectives and anticipated impact. The SOI should explain why the proposed program is needed.

• Program Planning: A description of how the program is expected to work to solve the stated problem and achieve the objectives. A proposed timeline for the program activities should include the dates, times, and locations of planned activities and events.

• Ability to Achieve Objectives/Institutional Capacity: A demonstration of the organization’s expertise and previous experience in administering programs.

• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility: Clearly stated objectives for recruiting and fully including participants from historically underserved communities in program activities, and/or including perspectives from historically underserved communities in the United States.

2. Review and Selection Process

A Grants Review Committee will evaluate all eligible applications. SOI applicants will be notified of the decision to present a full submission within 30 days of the submission deadline.

Instructions on the requirements of a full application submission will be provided at that time.

3. Following the review, any successful SOI applicants will be contacted and instructed to submit full applications. A full application will include:

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

I (Application for Federal Assistance --individuals)

• SF424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs)

• SF424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs) for individual or organization exempted from registering in SAM.

4. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov) Required Registrations:

All organizations, whether based in the United States or in another country, must have a

Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration with the SAM.gov. A UEI is one of the data elements mandated by Public Law 109-282, the Federal Funding Accountability and

Transparency Act (FFATA), for all Federal awards.

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

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

Note: The process of obtaining or renewing a SAM.gov registration may take anywhere from

4-8 weeks. Please begin your registration as early as possible.

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

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

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

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.

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 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Feportal.nspa.nato.int%2FAC135Public%2Fscage%2FCageList.aspx&data=05%7C01%7Cfjeldkk%40state.gov%7C0cc4e2b471f44abcd32308db093ecead%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C638113937577534024%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=v3TLT8F%2FNfk5SuTcI2zw7SMhV4HK542OhP9XDx4ln%2BY%3D&reserved=0

• 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.

F. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

1. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

Terms and Conditions: Before submitting the SOI, applicants should review all the terms and conditions and required certifications which will apply if a full proposal application is requested and awarded, to ensure that they will be able to comply. These include:

2 CFR 200, 2 CFR 600, and the Department of State Standard Terms and Conditions which are available at: https://www.state.gov/about-us-office-of-the-procurement-executive/.

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

The concept note should also demonstrate how the program will further engagement in underserved communities and with individuals from underserved communities. Concept notes should address how addressing racial equity and 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, concept notes should address how the program will support and advance equity and engage underserved communities in program administration, design, and implementation.

G. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS

If you have any questions about the SOI application process, please contact: (PASConakryGrants@state.gov.)

https://www.state.gov/about-us-office-of-the-procurement-executive/ https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.whitehouse.gov%2Fbriefing-room%2Fpresidential-actions%2F2021%2F01%2F20%2Fexecutive-order-advancing-racial-equity-and-support-for-underserved-communities-through-the-federal-government%2F&data=04%7C01%7CReisigAR%40state.gov%7C0dbdd75a0a664b32ef2508d8fb59f8f5%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C637535711126807160%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=Hk82GX1SCF8LaoHg%2B2vrmdCRK6gGWYwQXU9CB6cLb5E%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.whitehouse.gov%2Fbriefing-room%2Fpresidential-actions%2F2021%2F01%2F20%2Fexecutive-order-advancing-racial-equity-and-support-for-underserved-communities-through-the-federal-government%2F&data=04%7C01%7CReisigAR%40state.gov%7C0dbdd75a0a664b32ef2508d8fb59f8f5%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C637535711126807160%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=Hk82GX1SCF8LaoHg%2B2vrmdCRK6gGWYwQXU9CB6cLb5E%3D&reserved=0 mailto:PASConakryGrants@state.gov