PEPFAR NOFO - April 2022 Final.docx

PEPFAR NOFO FY22

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

ACCRA EMBASSY

Notice of Funding Opportunity

Funding Opportunity Title: PEPFAR MEDIA TRAINING AND HIV ANTI-STIGMA PROGRAMS Funding Opportunity Number: DOS-ACC-NOFO-2022-01 Deadline for Applications: June 30, 2022 Assistance Listing Number: 19.026 Total Amount Available: $15,000 - $60,000

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The U.S. Embassy in Accra announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out an innovative program on HIV and AIDS to engage the Ghanaian media on accurate reporting, innovative educative programs, and HIV Anti-Stigma campaign to achieve epidemic control. Work will be limited to three regions but should be impactful in all 16 regions of Ghana. Activities should ensure visibility for the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and should build a network of journalists with specialization in health especially HIV and AIDS and involve programs carried out by PEPFAR partners/stakeholders. Note: These programs will take place virtually and in-person with public health protocols such as the washing of hands and the use of sanitizers. Please follow all instructions below.

Priority Regions in Ghana: Western, Western North, and Ahafo regions (PEPFAR is focusing activities in these 3 main regions)

Program Objectives:

Launched by President George W. Bush in 2003, the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) is a U.S. government initiative to address the global HIV/AIDS epidemic and help save the lives of those suffering from the disease. As of May 2020, PEPFAR has provided about $90 billion in cumulative funding for HIV/AIDS treatment, prevention, and research since its inception, making it the largest global health program focused on a single disease in history. PEPFAR is implemented by a combination of U.S. government agencies in over 50 countries and overseen by the Global AIDS Coordinator at the U.S. Department of State.

PEPFAR is currently guided by two main strategies: the overarching strategy laid out in PEPFAR 3.0 – Controlling the Epidemic: Delivering on the Promise of an AIDS-free Generation and a complementary, more targeted strategy for accelerating implementation of PEPFAR efforts in certain high-burden countries laid out in the PEPFAR Strategy for Accelerating HIV/AIDS Epidemic Control (2017-2020).

The goal of this award is to:

1. Improve public awareness of the HIV/AIDS pandemic among the people of Western, Western North, and Ahafo Regions.

2. Provide basic educational resources to the general public including causes, effects, modes of transmission, prevention, and the treatment of HIV/AIDS.

3. Encourage accurate reporting by journalists across the country.

4. Empower people to make informed choices regarding their sexual health and life in general.

5. Encourage the creation of radio, TV, and social media channel programs to inform and educate the general public on “Test and Treat.”

6. Aid in the efforts to achieve epidemic control by 2030. This is by eliminating the stigma that surrounds HIV and AIDS, reduce infection rates, increase the number of people being tested, encourage multi-month dispensing leading to viral load suppression and ultimately achieve the UNAIDS goal of 95-95-95. (See link) UNAIDS Issues New Fast-Track Strategy to End AIDS by 2030

Some of the activities will be focused on visibility on Radio and TV via a targeted media campaign. This is an effective medium as some villages in the target areas are largely radio-listening populations. In addition, there will be a TV program covered in English as well as the local language to ensure that the message is conveyed to the target audience.

Applicant should budget for between $15,000 and $30,000 for the entire project. The budget should include costs such as travelling, accommodation, training materials, venue hire, rental, administrative, printing, data, per-diem, logistics for Anti-Stigma campaign and other costs.

PEPFAR funds are not to be used for the purchase of alcohol.

Participants and Audiences:

Working journalists reporting on health and community issues are the target for the training on accurate reporting on HIV and AIDS issues. It also is geared towards educating the general public on the need to reach HIV epidemic control by 2030.

HIV Stigma is an age-old problem. The general public needs to be aware that discrimination is a crime punishable by law. Also, the general public needs to be aware that ending stigma can save lives by encouraging people to get tested, get treatment, and reduce their viral load to reach the UNAIDS goal of 95-95-95.

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Length of performance period: 10 months to 1 year Number of awards anticipated: 2 or 3 Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $15,000 and maximum of $30,000 Total available funding: $60,000 Type of Funding: PEPFAR FY 2022 funding Anticipated program: Start date: October 30, 2022

This notice is subject to availability of funding.

Funding Instrument Type: Grant

Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed within a year of the official program start date.

The U.S. Embassy in Accra 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. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION

1. Eligible Applicants. The following organizations are eligible to apply:

Local Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) who are focused on media related and health issues (Specifically HIV and AIDS/ Handling effective Anti- Stigma campaigns). It includes Not-for-profit organizations and Civil Society/non-governmental organizations

2. Cost Sharing or Matching is encouraged but not compulsory

3. Other Eligibility Requirements

· In order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a unique entity identifier as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov. Please see Section D.3 for information on how to obtain these registrations. Individuals are not required to have a unique entity identifier or be registered in SAM.gov.

· Applicant should have knowledge and an understanding of the PEPFAR Initiative and the collective successes of PEPFAR.

· Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization. If more than one proposal is submitted from an organization, all proposals from that institution will be considered ineligible for funding. Pseudo names and representatives fronting for an organization is not allowed.

· Applicant should have their organization duly registered as Not for Profit making and should have at least 3 years of experience in media trainings and in the HIV and AIDS epidemic-control space.

· Applicant should know basic HIV and AIDS service delivery and adapt to include new research findings in training materials.

· Applicant should be familiar and able to partner with stakeholders and players in the HIV field.

· Applicant should be open to work with Most At Risk populations and be flexible to include newly identified target populations as needed.

· Applicant should be able to manage budget effectively and be accountable to expenditure management and reporting.

· Applicant is also expected develop innovative media campaigns using Behavior Change Communication methodologies.

· Applicant should develop training and campaign programs should be achievable and measurable.

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

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.

Content of Application 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

· All pages are numbered

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

· All Microsoft Word documents are single-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font, with a minimum of 1-inch margins.

The following documents are required:

1. Mandatory application forms

· SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance – organizations)

· SF-424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs) Find these forms on grants.gov or place an email to pasaccragrant@state.gov to request.

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 (4 pages maximum): 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, 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, showing ability to carry out the program, including information on all previous grants from the U.S. Embassy and/or U.S. government agencies.

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

· 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. These should be achievable and measurable.

· Program Activities: Describe the program activities and how they will help achieve the objectives.

· Program Methods and Design: A description of how the program is expected to work to solve the stated problem and achieve the goal. Include a logic model as appropriate.

· Proposed Program Schedule and Timeline: The proposed timeline for the program activities. Include the 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 grants. Throughout the timeframe of the grant, how will the activities be monitored to ensure they are happening in a timely manner, and how will the program be evaluated to make sure it is meeting the goals of the grant?

· 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 (above), use a separate sheet of paper to describe each of the budget expenses in detail. 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

Note: Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov) (NOTE: This section is required and not optional, except for NOFOs targeting applications from individuals instead of organizations)

Required Registrations:

Any applicant listed on the Excluded Parties List System (EPLS) 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.” Additionally, no entity listed on the EPLS can participate in any activities under an award. All applicants are strongly encouraged to review the EPLS in SAM to ensure that no ineligible entity is included.

All organizations applying for grants (except individuals) must obtain these registrations. All are free of charge:

· Unique entity identifier from Dun & Bradstreet (DUNS number)

· NCAGE/CAGE code

· www.SAM.gov registration

Step 1: Apply for a Unique entity identifier number and an NCAGE number (these can be completed simultaneously)

NCAGE application: Application page here: https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/scage/CageList.aspx Instructions for the NCAGE application process:

https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/Docs/US%20Instructions%20for%20NSPA%20NCAGE.pdf

For NCAGE help from within the U.S., call 1-888-227-2423 For NCAGE help from outside the U.S., call 1-269-961-7766 Email NCAGE@dlis.dla.mil for any problems in getting an NCAGE code.

Step 2: After receiving the NCAGE Code, proceed to register in SAM.gov by logging onto: https://www.sam.gov. SAM registration must be renewed annually.

Submission Dates and Times

Applications are due no later than Thursday, June 30, 2022 at 11:59pm GMT. All application materials must be submitted by email to PASAccraGrant@state.gov with “PEPFAR MEDIA TRAINING AND HIV ANTI-STIGMA PROGRAMS” in the subject line:

Funding Restrictions

USG funds cannot be used to purchase alcohol.

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 – 25 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 – 25 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.

2. Review and Selection Process

A review committee will evaluate all eligible applications and schedule interviews and follow up questions with successful applicants.

3. Federal Awardee Performance & Integrity Information System (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 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 (currently FAPIIS) (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.

4. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Date September 30, 2022.

F. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

1. Federal Award Notices

The grant award 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 Notice of Funding Opportunity (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 in two tranches. An initial 70 % payment will be paid after the SF 270 form has been filled and submitted by grantee. The remaining 20% will be paid when the milestones have been achieved at the end of the program.

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:

· 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. Applicants are expected to submit both narrative and financial report quarterly and at the end of project implementation. Applicants should be aware of the post award reporting requirements reflected in 2 CFR 200 Appendix XII—Award Term and Condition for Recipient Integrity and Performance Matters.

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 CONTACTS

If you have any questions about the grant application process, please contact: PASAccraGrant@state.gov

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. This program does not involve an international 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.

Funding Restrictions 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.

· Alcoholic Beverages.