Pickering 2019 NOFO.docx

NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

BUREAU OF HUMAN RESOURCES

OFFICE OF RECRUITMENT, EXAMINATION AND EMPLOYMENT

2019 THOMAS R. PICKERING FOREIGN AFFAIRS GRADUATE

FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

Catalog of Federal Domestic

$245,000 issued as first installment for six months in FY 2018 $3,365,000 issued in installments in FY 2019

For-profit and commercial firms are not eligible to apply in response to this NOFO

Type of Applicant: Organizations. Individuals are not eligible to apply

Project Duration: 42 months Pending successful implementation of these programs and the availability of funds in subsequent fiscal years, HR/REE may renew the cooperative agreement for a period of two additional fiscal years before openly competing the program again. As each year adds new fellows to the program, applicants will need to demonstrate the ability to handle multiple years of cohorts.

Submission of Applications: Application packages must be submitted via Grants.gov (www.grants.gov). For more information, see Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI)

This funding opportunity is posted on grants.gov and may be amended. Answers to questions from potential applicants will be posted as an attachment to this NOFO. Applicants should regularly check the www.grants.gov website for the most recent information pertaining to this NOFO. Department of State/Bureau of Human Resources bears no responsibility for data errors resulting from transmission or conversion processes associated with electronic submissions.

SAM.gov registration (www.sam.gov) is required in order to receive a Federal assistance award. See the Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI) for more information.

All applicants must provide a Unique Entity Identifier, or Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS), when submitting application on Grants.gov. Applicants that do not have a valid DUNS number will be considered ineligible.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Human Resources, Office of Recruitment, Examination and Employment (HR/REE) announces a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to conduct programmatic, financial and administrative activities for the 2019 Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Graduate Fellowship Program. HR/REE reserves the right to fund any or none of the proposals submitted and reserves the right to reduce, revise, or increase proposal budget in accordance with the needs of the project and the availability of funds.

The Federal award signed by the Grants Officer is the only authorizing document.

Public Law 101-246, 101st Congress, 104 STAT.42 Section 47 (February 16, 1990) states, “The Secretary of State may make grants to post-secondary educational institutions or students for the purpose of increasing the level of knowledge and awareness of, and interest in employment with the Foreign Service, consistent with section 105 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980. To the extent possible, the Secretary shall give special emphasis to promoting such knowledge and awareness of, and interest in employment with the Foreign Service among students.”

The U.S. Department of State (the Department) funds the Thomas. R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Graduate Fellowship Program. The program is funded through the Department’s Basic Authorities.

This NOFO consists of the cover page plus the following sections:

I. Funding Opportunity Description II. Award Information and Application Submission Information, Review Information and Scoring III. Eligibility Information IV. Agency Contacts

The complete solicitation package also includes the mandatory Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI).

Eligible organizations interested in submitting an application are encouraged to review this NOFO thoroughly to understand the type of project sought and the application submission requirements and review process.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

· Background

The Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Graduate Fellowship Program provides outstanding students entering graduate school with funding to assist in the completion of a two year master’s degree in an area relevant to the Foreign Service of the Department of State. Upon successful completion of their degree and Foreign Service entry requirements, Fellows enter the Foreign Service as entry level officers and complete a five year service commitment. We anticipate 30 graduate fellowships will be awarded for the 2019 cohort. This program develops a source of trained men and women who are dedicated to representing America’s interests abroad. The Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Graduate Fellowship Program application deadline is mid-September.

· Project’s Goals and Objectives

Effective management of the Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Graduate Fellowship Program is fundamental to the overall success of these programs. The Department is fully invested in this program and seeks to maintain its integrity and high quality. The program goals and objectives of the Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Graduate Fellowship Program, include, but are not limited to:

Program Goals The Recipient will need to be attentive and responsive to the needs of the Fellows and those of the Department. The Recipient will need to demonstrate dedication and commitment in pursuing the goals of the programs as well as the ability to work closely with HR/REE in meeting all program requirements. The Recipient will consult with HR/REE, which will have final approval, on all policy matters affecting the program.

· Developing new talent for the Department of State’s Foreign Service at the graduate and undergraduate level.

· Ensure that this program continues to contribute to a Foreign Service that reflects the face of America to foreign audiences and develop a source of trained men and women who are dedicated to pursuing Foreign Service careers and representing America’s interests abroad.

· Promote the Department’s diversity goals.

Program Objectives Through this NOFO, the Bureau or Human Resources seeks applications for proposals to implement the following specific project:

2019 Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Graduate Fellowship Program: Conduct programmatic, financial and administrative activities for the program to include outreach (publicity and recruitment), facilitating and assisting in the selection of Fellows, tracking and monitoring of Fellows, maintaining of databases and statistics related to the program, program and financial reporting requirements, financial disbursements, travel, lodging and logistical arrangements. (Award Ceiling: ($3,610,000)

The objectives of the Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Graduate Fellowship Program, where appropriate, include but are not limited to:

· Identify and attract, based on financial need, outstanding students who represent ethnic, gender, social and geographic diversity and have an interest in pursuing a Foreign Service career in the U.S. Department of State.

· Recruit qualified candidates for the programs. Recruitment efforts must stress the challenges, requirements and benefits of a Foreign Service career so that potential Fellows may realistically determine whether they are suited for a career as a Foreign Service Officer.

· Provide funding to assist students towards completing degrees in academic disciplines representing the skill needs of the Department’s Foreign Service

· Provide Fellows with proper mentoring and professional development training and ensure candidates are exposed to information to prepare them to be successful Foreign Service Officers.

· Implement the programs in a strategic and economic way that produces the intended results. Demonstrate concern and sensitivity for the tight budget environment in which it operates.

· Additional Guidelines

1. Applicant Criteria

The Pickering Graduate Fellowship Program requirements include: 1) proof of US citizenship at time of application; 2) seeking admission to a two year full time master’s degree program for the following academic year (fall entrance) in selected fields of study representing the needs of the Department including public policy, public administration, political science, foreign languages, public diplomacy, business administration and economics; 3) minimum 3.2 undergraduate grade point average or higher on a 4.0 scale; 4) maintenance of a 3.2 grade point average throughout participation in the program and 5) in addition to outstanding leadership and academic achievement, demonstration of financial need.

2. Program Components

The Pickering Graduate Fellowship Program provides financial assistance towards covering: tuition/mandatory fees, room/ board, books and travel between home and school. Annual per fellow costs are capped at $47,500. The current model allocates: 1) up to $37,500 annually in financial assistance per fellow. This includes up to $21,500 per academic year for tuition and up to $16,000 per year for and room and board, books/laboratory fees and travel between home and school and (2) up to $10,000 annually for costs related to the summer internships – stipend, room and board for domestic internship, domestic/overseas travel and all required visas, inoculations and medical coverage. There are two internships during the 2 year program - one at a domestic office of the Department of State in Washington D.C during the summer between the first and second year of graduate school and one overseas at a U.S embassy or consulate during the summer after the second year of graduate school. In addition, Fellows receive mentoring from a Foreign Service Officer during the program, meet Pickering Program requirements and Department of State entry requirements for Foreign Service Officers, and sign a contractual agreement obligating them to a minimum of five years of service in an appointment as a Foreign Service Officer.

3. Programmatic Responsibilities

The instrument for this award is a cooperative agreement which entails substantial involvement between HR/REE and the Recipient. Substantial involvement will include but is not limited to: HR/REE prior approval on all program details, scheduled weekly program calls and annual in-person program review sessions with senior leadership. The Recipient must be prepared to work closely and collaboratively with HR/REE which establishes reviews and approves all program guidelines, materials and program policies.

Recipients must identify dedicated staff to serve as liaisons with HR/REE on all aspects of this program, including someone who is knowledgeable regarding life and challenges of State Department Foreign Service Officers as well as the rules and regulations governing Foreign Service Careers.

In consultation with HR/REE, the Recipient will be responsible for the conduct of all programmatic, financial and administrative activities. The Recipient will be responsible for conducting the day-to-day activities associated with the administration of the program and must consult with HR/REE, which will have final approval.

The Recipient’s responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

I. Outreach and Recruitment

Recruiting Diverse Candidates for the Program: The Recipient will identify and attract, based on financial need, outstanding students who represent ethnic, gender, social and geographic diversity and have an interest in pursuing a career as a Foreign Service generalist in the U.S. Department of State. In coordination with HR/REE, the Recipient is expected to target diverse students and institutions, concentrating its efforts in the following categories: major research universities, liberal arts colleges, major community colleges, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs), Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs) and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs). There should be a combined effort between in-person and virtual recruitment with an emphasis be placed on virtual recruitment efforts and use of e-tools.

a. Producing Promotional/Recruitment Materials: Recipient will prepare promotional and recruitment materials with Department approval.

b. Designing Websites: Recipient will establish and maintain a website to include up-to-date program descriptions, including eligibility requirements, and information about Foreign Service careers with the US Department of State. In addition, the Recipient will establish an email address for the program (for example, pickering@addressofawardee.org).

c. Using Social Media and Online Recruitment Tools: Recipient will work closely with HR/REE to develop an online recruitment and social media outreach plan including online information sessions, webinars, workshops and Q&A sessions. Recipient will obtain HR/REE approval for all content to be posted on online regarding the program.

d. Maintaining Contact with Diplomats in Residence (DIRs) and Fellows’ Alumni Association: Recipient will be expected to provide promotional materials directly to each DIR (Department of State Foreign Service Officers assigned to universities throughout the US for recruitment purposes) and notify them of applicant profiles, selected finalists, and visits to their respective areas. Additionally, Recipient will collaborate with the Pickering and Rangel Fellowship Alumni Association (former Fellows now serving as Foreign Service Officers) to garner support for and assistance with Pickering Fellowship activities such as mentoring, orientation and other related events.

e. Explaining Fellowship and Foreign Service Entry Requirements:

· Recipient will counsel interested applicants with regards to the financial limitations of the fellowship award.

· Recipient will counsel interested applicants on the Foreign Service entry requirements, contractual obligations and possible repayment obligation conditions of the Fellowship program.

II. Screening and Selection

a. The Candidate Selection Process: Selection panelists will be designated by both HR/REE and the Recipient. This process is conducted once a year and in phases. The first step is the initial application review conducted by the Recipient. Following the initial review, the Recipient will organize eligible applications and makes them accessible to the interview panel members. The interview panel makes a preliminary selection, narrowing the candidate applicant pool to semi-finalists. The preliminary selection process is conducted virtually, with panel members reviewing materials sent electronically and sending in their scores to the Recipient to tabulate. The preliminary selection phase may include a telephone conference arranged and facilitated by the Recipient. The interview panel meets in Washington, D.C. for a two and a half-day meeting - mandatory half day training and two days of interviewing candidates. The writing panel reviews, evaluates and rank orders applicants’ essay submissions. The writing panel meets in Washington, D.C. for a two day meeting - a mandatory training and 1.5 days of scoring finalists’ essays. Essay scores are provided to the interview panelists for inclusion in final selection decision. Final selection is made at the conclusion of the interviews.

b. Structure of Selection Committees: Each interview panel is divided into subpanels of three panelists each, two panelists are designated by HR/REE and the remaining one is designated by the Recipient, with prior approval from HR/REE. The writing panel is comprised of three panelists, two are designated by HR/REE and the remaining one is designated by the Recipient. The Department designees the Chair.

The selection process is as follows:

Initial Review Final Selection Recipient screens for eligibility and completeness Selection committee reduces fellow applicant pool Selection committee interviews candidates, evaluates written essays and selects fellowship recipients

Preliminary Selection

Recipient will be responsible for the following tasks:

· Conducting initial screening of candidates’ applications for adherence to eligibility criteria and completeness.

· Submitting to HR/REE, in a timely fashion, the names and biographies of proposed panel members. HR/REE will provide the criteria for selection of panel members.

· Keeping HR/REE informed of all instructions and information provided to panelists with regards to the selection process.

· Providing panelists with electronic access to applications and scoring sheets for selection of semi-finalists. Copying and distributing hard copies of application packets if asked.

· Contacting all semi-finalists prior to selection interviews and brief them on the all required clearances.

· Coordinating all administrative functions associated with the selection process, to include but not limited to:

· Making every effort to limit per diem and travel costs by identifying panelists from the DC Metropolitan area. Arrange travel and lodging for selection committee panelists and candidates for the final phase of the selection process held in the Washington, DC area.

· Processing honoraria for designated panelists. Honoraria may be provided only to: 1) those panelists who do not receive a full time US Government salary, and 2) those with an active When Actually Employed (WAE) status appointment with the Department of State but who are not receiving compensation for their work as a WAE while serving as a panelist. The daily estimated honorarium is $500 per day.

· Seeking reasonable lodging for candidates and panelists during selection in venue near the BEX office space where selection interviews will take place.

· Preparing a selection program and scheduling time for fingerprinting by and presentations regarding contractual obligations and clearances.

· With HR/REE, preparing selection questions, for interviews and writing exercise.

· Preparing a user guide for each panelist.

· Distributing and explaining the contract Fellows will sign upon accepting the Fellowship.

· Notifying in writing those finalists selected for the fellowship, securing written acceptances from finalists and forwarding final list of Fellows to HR/REE.

· Notifying in writing those applicants not selected.

III. Orientation

In collaboration with HR/REE, Recipient will organize the orientation program for new Fellows conducted in early June. The orientation program is conducted in Washington, DC at the Department of State. In organizing the orientation program, the Recipient will be expected to:

· Provide all administrative functions for the orientation to include arranging travel and lodging for the fellows, staff and panelists, folders and other related activities. Travel and lodging costs are subject to standard US Government per diem rates. Any variance requires prior HR/REE approval.

· Ensure Fellows follow all instructions related to the medical examinations and are present for their appointments which are conducted at the Department of State, Office of Medical Services.

· In consultation with HR/REE, Recipient, organize briefing sessions and networking events discuss issues related to the Fellowship and a Foreign Service career including a mandatory information session on the Foreign Service Oral Assessment.

· Ensure that all Fellows have signed and notarized their Fellowship contracts with the Department of State prior to attending Orientation.

Perform other related orientation activities as needed by HR/REE.

IV. Internships

To enable these internship placements, Recipient will need to:

· Ensure Fellows have successfully completed their academic requirements before disbursing any funds associated with the summer internship, including travel and stipend funds.

· Counsel Fellows on internship choices. Ensure that Fellows understand what the program covers with regards to travel, stipend, inoculations, and visas.

· Ensure Fellows have required medical insurance coverage prior to beginning overseas internship.

· In consultation with HR/REE, ensure coverage of all required visas and inoculations for Fellows interning abroad. Total combined costs for both internships, and associated expenses, should not exceed $20,000 (up to $10,000 per internship).

· Identify and arrange appropriate housing for Fellows during their domestic internships, generally in university dormitories. Domestic lodging rates during domestic internships are subject to standard US government per diem rates.

· Follow up with Fellows regarding start/end dates of their internships and ensure that they have arrived and reported, as scheduled, at their internship location.

· Review and counsel Fellows regarding their internship evaluations recommending ways to improve and strengthen their future performance.

V. Tracking and Monitoring

· Maintaining institutional databases for recruitment purposes.

· Maintaining databases of Fellows (by cohort) for purposes of tracking:

1) Current contact information 2) GPA and academic program status,

3) Successful completion of program requirements, 4) successful completion of contractual obligations, 5) withdrawals/dismissals from the Fellowship program prior to completion, 6) areas of study, 7) languages spoken and other relevant statistical information.

· Maintaining a toll free number for easy access by Fellows and student applicants.

VI. Administrative

a. Disbursing of Funds

· Establishing and maintaining effective and productive relationships with Student Accounts Offices at each fellow’s graduate institution and make timely payment of tuition and other fees up to the established cap limit.

· Prior to disbursement of any Fellowship funds, Recipient will coordinate with HR/REE to ensure the Fellow has met all necessary requirements.

b. Record Keeping

· Monitoring Fellows’ academic progress ensuring adherence to academic terms of contractual agreement which are that Fellow must maintain a 3.2 grade point average on a 4.0 scale.

· Maintaining transcripts for each Fellow.

· Maintaining document file for each fellow with all written correspondence, contractual agreement, payments, and other pertinent data. These files must be kept in accordance with 2 CFR 200.

c. Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT) and Foreign Service Oral Assessment (FSOA)

· Ensuring each Fellow meets his/her contractual obligation with regards to taking the FSOT and the FSOA prior to completion of his/her academic program. Fellows are contractually obligated to take the FSOA twice prior to completion of academic requirements if unsuccessful on the first attempt. Fellows are contractually obligated to take the FSOT once prior to completion of academic requirements.

· In consultation with HR/REE, arranging Foreign Service Oral Assessment information sessions for each Fellow. The sessions must be offered by a qualified consultant approved by HR/REE.

d. Annual Grantor/Recipient Meetings

Recipient will consent to annual meetings, with senior leadership participation, to review program status. Meeting venue will alternate between Recipient’s location and Washington, D.C.

e. Directory of Fellows

· Recipient will submit a directory of each cohort with individual photos and a brief biography of each cohort member.

f. Mentoring

· Recipient will assign HR/REE approved Foreign Service mentors to all newly selected Fellows by the end of their first semester in the program.

· Recipient will develop, in collaboration with HR/REE, and conduct a series of mandatory professional development seminars for all Fellows during their domestic summer internship in Washington, D.C. Recipient will be responsible for securing venue and other logistics regarding these sessions. The Recipient is to conduct a participant survey and submit the results and recommendations to HR/REE.

g. Annual Program Evaluation

· Recipient will develop an annual cohort survey and an evaluation strategy to measure the impact and outcomes of the program.

· Recipient will submit an evaluation report, which also includes the survey, to HR/REE annually by September 20, 2019, September 30, 2020 and September 30, 2021, which outlines the impact and outcomes of the Fellowship program.

· Recipient will conduct an annual survey of the cohort to elicit opinions on effectiveness of program components and program administration.

h. Milestone Schedule

The Recipient will submit to HR/REE in draft, for review and final approval, a milestone schedule for the 2019 Pickering Fellows cohort. Key activities to be identified in the milestone schedule should include, but are not limited to:

· Opening and closing dates for fellowship application.

· Dates associated with the selection process (when applications are sent to panelists for review, date by which applications must be read and scores submitted, dates panelists meet, when selection interviews occur, when finalists are notified, etc.)

· Dates associated with Orientation program

· Completion, delivery and posting dates for promotional materials

· Tuition and stipend payment dates

· Frequency of social media postings/online recruitment events with description of content

· Anticipated Domestic and Overseas Internship start/end dates

· Lodging move-in/move-out dates for domestic summer intern

· Budget submission dates

· A separate travel plan to include dates, location and purpose of staff recruitment trips

II. Award Information and Application Submission Information, Review Information and Scoring

The U.S. government may issue an award resulting from this NOFO to the responsible applicant whose application is the most responsive to the goals and objectives set forth in this NOFO. The U.S. government may (a) reject any or all applications, and/or (b) waive informalities and minor irregularities in applications received. The U.S. government may make an award on the basis of initial applications received without discussion or negotiations. Therefore, applications should contain the applicant’s best terms from a cost and technical standpoint.

U.S. government also reserves the right, but is not obliged, to enter into discussions with an applicant in order to obtain clarification, additional detail, or to suggest refinements in the project’s description, budget, or other aspects of an application.

APPLICATION SUBMISSION INFORMATION:

Please refer to the Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI) for more information and complete instructions on how to apply to this NOFO, including information on proposal’s content and formatting. Please use both the PSI and the NOFO to ensure that the proposal submission is in full compliance with the requirements. Proposal submissions that do not meet all of the requirements outlined in the NOFO and PSI will NOT be considered.

Applicant organization is requested to submit a narrative and proposed budget outlining a comprehensive strategy for the administration and implementation of the 2019 Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Graduate Fellowship Program supported with concrete examples of demonstrated success in managing a program of this complexity. The comprehensive program strategy should reflect a vision for the program as a whole, interpreting the goals of the program with creativity, as well as providing innovative ideas and recommendations for the program.

APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION AND SCORING

Applicants should note that the following criteria will serve as a standard against which all applications will be evaluated. Department of State will issue an award to the applicant whose proposal represents the best value to the U.S. Government on the basis of technical merit, efficient use of USG funds, and satisfactory organizational capacity. In addition, each application will be evaluated and scored on the Proposal Components using a 100-point scale by an independent review panel of Department of State.

Bureau will conduct a merit review of all eligible applications as outlined in this NOFO. Applications will be reviewed by an independent review panel consisting of qualified representatives from other DOS bureaus and offices or Posts. Final approval resides with the DOS Grants Office.

COST REVIEW

Costs will be reviewed for reasonableness, allowability, allocability, and cost-effectiveness of the use of USG funds. The review of cost-effectiveness will include an examination of the application’s budget detail to ensure it is a realistic financial expression of the proposed project and does not contain estimated costs that are not allocable, reasonable, or allowable. Applications that have more efficient operational systems that reduce operation costs will be favorably considered on that factor. Final approval of the budget resides with the Grants Officer.

Applications that maximize direct activity costs and minimize administrative costs are encouraged. Other considerations are the completeness of the application, adequacy of budget detail, and consistency with elements of the technical application. In addition, the organization must demonstrate adequate financial management capability to be measured by a responsibility determination.

SCORING

Based on eligible applications that are responsive to the requirements outlined above, the review panel will use the following criteria when rating proposals:

· Program Planning and Ability to Achieve Objectives: Applicant’s understanding and appreciation for the goals and objectives of the Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Graduate Fellowship Program and demonstrated ability to achieve the goals and objectives.

15 points

· Institutional Capacity: Demonstrated knowledge of the Department of State’s Foreign Service career path and ability to mentor effectively Fellows pursuing this career. Demonstrated ability to manage successfully programs of this magnitude and complexity. Applicant’s fiscal health and ability to avoid program delays by covering necessary program expenses, at times, even before the award payment is processed. Applicant’s past performance. Applicant must provide evidence of its past performance and budget management of programs of comparable complexity and size. Applicant’s designation of a fully dedicated senior level program manager with decision making authority; fully dedicated program coordinator/assistant; full or part time recruitment staff with diversity recruitment experience and/or knowledge of the Department of State’s Foreign Service. 30 points

· Program Management and Evaluation: Design and effectiveness of Applicant’s recruitment, implementation and evaluation plans and how they will be used to achieve program goals. 30 points

· Budget and Cost Effectiveness: Applicants should demonstrate cost-effectiveness of the use of federal funds by presenting reasonable budgets based on real figures. Budgets that either significantly over-estimate or underestimate line item amounts will not be viewed as cost-effective. In addition, it is recommended that the budget narrative demonstrate the applicant’s ability to economize and plan effectively. Cost-share is voluntary and will not be used as a factor to evaluate the submission. 15 points

· Sustainability/Multiplier Effect: Applicant’s clear articulation of how desired outcomes will be generated and methods used to ensure sustainability of the program and competitive program participants. 10 points

FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION:

Pursuant to 2 CFR 200.400 g, it is U.S. Department of State policy not to award profit under assistance instruments.

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 an application. In addition, a final award cannot be made until funds have been fully appropriated, allocated, and committed through internal Bureau of Human Resources procedures. While it is anticipated that these procedures will be successfully completed, potential applicants are hereby notified of these requirements and conditions for award. Applications are submitted at the risk of the applicant. All preparation and submission costs are at the applicant’s expense.

It is the responsibility of the recipient of this NOFO to ensure that it has been recorded as received by Grants.gov in its entirety. Incomplete applications will be considered ineligible.

The Department of State bears no responsibility for data errors resulting from transmission or conversion processes associated with electronic submissions.

The Federal award signed by the Grants Officer is the only authorizing document.

PRE-AWARD COSTS

Effective implementation of this program may require the recipient to incur expenses prior to the official award. Pending availability of funds, the recipient may be reimbursed for allowable pre-award costs incurred up to 90 days prior to the official award. Pre-award costs are incurred at the Recipient’s own risk and are subject to the Grant Officer’s approval. Pre-award costs are included in, not additional to, the total funding available for this project.

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

Recipients will, at a minimum, be required to submit Quarterly Progress Reports and Quarterly Financial Reports (SF-425) describing key activities undertaken during the preceding month towards accomplishment of the stated objectives. Progress Reports will compare actual to planned performance and indicate the progress made in accomplishing each assistance award task/goal noted in the grant agreement and will contain analysis and summary of findings, both quantitative and qualitative, for key indicators. Financial Reports provide a means of monitoring expenditures and comparing costs incurred with progress. Specific reporting requirements will be outlined in the award provisions.

MANDATORY DISCLOSURES (2 CFR 200.113)

The non-federal entity or applicant for a federal award must disclose, in a timely manner, in writing to the federal awarding agency or pass-through entity all violations of federal criminal law involving fraud, bribery, or gratuity violations potentially affecting the federal award. Non-federal entities that have received a Federal award including the term and condition outlined in Appendix XII of the 2 CFR 200—Award Term and Condition for Recipient Integrity and Performance Matters are required to report certain civil, criminal, or administrative proceedings to SAM. Failure to make required disclosures can result in any of the remedies described in §200.338 Remedies for noncompliance, including suspension or debarment.

FEDERAL AWARDEE PERFORMANCE AND INTEGIRY INFORMATION SYSTEM (FAPIIS)

A federal awarding agency, prior to making a federal award will 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). 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 www.sam.gov. 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 §200.205 Federal awarding agency review of risk posed by applicants.

ADMINISTRATIVE AND NATIONAL POLICY REQUIREMENTS

This federal award is subject to the following standard administrative policy requirements. The Department of State’s Standard Terms and Conditions for Domestic Federal Assistance Awards are incorporated into and are part of the Notice of Funding Award. The Recipient and any sub-recipient, in addition to the assurances and certifications made part of the Notice of Award, must comply with all applicable terms and conditions during the project period. The requirements are as stipulated in 2 CFR 200.

DISCLAIMER

The Department of State has no obligation to provide any additional future funding in connection with the award. Renewal of an award to increase funding or extend the period of performance is at the total discretion of the Department of State and availability of funding.

OTHER INFORMATION

· Applicant organizations must demonstrate adherence to equal opportunity employment practices and commitment to non-discrimination with respect to beneficiaries. Non-discrimination includes equal treatment without regard to race, religion, ethnicity, gender, and political affiliation. Applicants are reminded that U.S. Executive Orders and U.S. law prohibits transactions with or support to individuals or organizations associated with terrorism.

Proposals that reflect any type of support for any member, affiliate, or representative of a designated to terrorist organization or narcotics trafficker, including elected members of government, will NOT be considered. This provision must be included in any sub‐awards/sub-contracts issued under this award.

· Recipients under DOS-funded projects are responsible for complying with all applicable tax treaties and federal, state, and local laws on tax withholding and reporting for project participants.

III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

· Eligibility is limited to U.S. based non-profit/non-governmental organizations (NGOs) having a 501(c) (3) status with the IRS and U.S. based institutions of higher education. Eligible applicants must provide proof of their 501© (3) eligibility status, as determined by the Internal Revenue Service. The Recipient must be physically located in the U.S. and operate from the within the U.S.

· Preference will be given to organizations with at least three years of experience in administering a fellowship program of this size, nature and complexity.

IV. AGENCY CONTACT

Any prospective applicant desiring an explanation or interpretation of this NOFO must request it in writing by the deadline for questions specified in the cover letter to allow a reply to reach all prospective applicants before the submission of their applications. Any information given to a prospective applicant concerning this NOFO will be furnished promptly to all other prospective applicants as a Questions and Answers attachment to this NOFO, if that information is necessary in submitting applications or if the lack of it would be prejudicial to any other prospective applicants.

Any questions concerning this NOFO must be submitted in writing by email to the Bureau of Human Resources, Recruitment, Examination and Employment via email to Christa George at georgecm@state.gov with project’s title and your organization’s name in the subject line.