PKG00250583-instructions.pdf

NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

BUREAU OF HUMAN RESOURCES

OFFICE OF RECRUITMENT, EXAMINATION AND EMPLOYMENT

2020 FOREIGN AFFAIRS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

(FAIT) FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

Announcement Type: New Announcement

Funding Opportunity Title: 2020 Foreign Affairs Information Technology

Fellowship Program (FAIT)

Assistance Listings Number: 19.013

Funding Amount: $2,448,000

Number of Awards: One (1) award

Cost Sharing Requirement: Not Required

Assistance Type: Cooperative Agreement

Funding Type: Discretionary

Authority: DOS Basic Authorities

Source of Funding: D&P

Funding Activity Category: Education

NOFO Issuance Date: April 30, 2019

Closing Date for Submission Complete proposal packages must be submitted of Applications: through www.grants.gov by June 28, 2019, 11:59 pm EST

Electronic Requirement: Yes.

E-mailed, faxed or mailed proposal packages, or individual documents, that failed to transmit during application submission will not be considered.

Deadline for Receipt of Questions: June 17, 2019, 11:59 PM, EST http://www.grants.gov/

Eligibility Category:

U.S. - based non-profit/non-governmental organizations having a 501(c) (3) status with the IRS.

U.S. private institutions of higher education

U.S. public and state-controlled institutions of higher education

For-profit and commercial firms are not eligible to apply in response to this NOFO. No exceptions.

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

Number of Applications: One (1) per applicant organization

Note: Organizations may form consortia and submit a combined proposal. However, only one organization may be designated as the lead applicant. The lead applicant must meet the eligibility criteria listed in this NOFO.

Anticipated Award Date: The successful applicant will receive notification within approximately four-to-five weeks of the closing of this announcement. The U.S. Department of State is under no obligation to fund any of the proposals submitted under this funding opportunity.

Est. Project Start Date: August/September 2019

Est. Project End Date: August/September 2022

Project Duration: 36 months

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

This funding opportunity is posted on www.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 bears no responsibility for data errors resulting from transmission or conversion processes associated with electronic submissions via www.grants.gov. Incomplete application packages will not be considered. Missing e-mailed, faxed or mailed documents will NOT be considered.

Applicants must provide a Unique Entity Identifier, or Data Universal Numbering System

(DUNS), when submitting application on www.grants.gov in response to this NOFO.

SAM.gov registration (www.sam.gov) is required. Applicants that do not have a valid DUNS number and completed www.sam.gov registration will NOT be eligible for consideration.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application package has been received by Grants.gov in its entirety. Incomplete applications will be considered ineligible.

Individual e-mailed or faxed documents that failed to transmit during application submission will not be considered. The decision for the final eligibility and award determination rests with the Grants Officer (GO)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The United States 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 2020 FAIT Fellowship

Program.

Pending availability of funds and satisfactory performance, including compliance with the award’s terms and conditions, HR/REE may consider adding funds to the award. HR/REE intends to support one award as a result of this NOFO.

Department of State reserves the right to fund any or none of the proposals submitted and reserves the right to reduce, revise, or increase the budget in accordance with the needs of the project and the availability of funds.

The Federal award signed by the State Department 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 FAIT 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 http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.sam.gov/

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 as outlined in this NOFO.

I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

Background

The FAIT Fellowship provides outstanding students entering undergraduate or graduate school with funding to assist in the completion a four-year undergraduate degree (junior and senior year); or, a two-year master’s degree in an area relevant to the IT needs of the Department of State. Upon successful completion of their degree and Foreign Service entry requirements, Fellows enter the Foreign Service as entry level Information Management Specialists and complete a five-year service commitment. HR/REE anticipate 12 undergraduate and 8 graduate fellowships will be awarded for the 2020 cohort. This program develops a source of trained men and women who are dedicated to representing America’s interests abroad. The FAIT Fellowship Program application deadline is mid-February.

Project’s Goals and Objectives

Effective management and the ability to recruit talented IT/STEM students for the

FAIT Fellowship Program is fundamental to the FAIT programs success. The

Department is fully invested in this fellowship and seeks to maintain its integrity and exemplary quality. The program goals and objectives of the FAIT

Fellowship, 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. HR/REE will consult with the Grants Officer (GO). The GO will have final approval on all policy matters affecting the program.

Developing new Information 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

Information Management Specialist careers and representing America’s interests abroad.

Promote the Department’s diversity goals.

PROJECT’S DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVES

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

2020 Foreign Affairs Information Technology Fellowship Program (FAIT):

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.

The objectives of the FAIT Fellowship Program, where appropriate, include but are not limited to:

Identify and attract, based on financial need, outstanding IT/STEM 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 program. 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 Information Management Specialists.

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

Information Management Specialists.

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

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 FAIT Fellowship Program requirements include: 1) proof of US citizenship at time of application; 2) applicant must be a full-time undergraduate student completing a bachelor’s degree at a US accredited university with sophomore status on the date of the application deadline or currently possess a bachelor’s degree and be seeking admission to enter a two-year full time master’s degree program at a US accredited university in the fall of 2020 in an IT/STEM related fields of study; 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 FAIT undergraduate and 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 limited to $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 this 2-year program: one at a domestic office of the Department of State in Washington D.C during the summer between the junior and senior year of school for the undergraduate students, and first and second year of school for graduate students, and one overseas at a U.S embassy or consulate during the summer after the senior year of undergraduate school, and after completing the second year of graduate school. In addition, Fellows receive mentoring from a Foreign Service Specialist during the program, meet FAIT program requirements and Department of State entry requirements for Foreign Service IMS, and sign a contractual agreement obligating them to a minimum of five years of service in an appointment as a Foreign Service Information Management Specialist.

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 the State Department’s Foreign Service, 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, attract and recruit, 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 Specialist 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: Computer Science, Information Systems, Cyber Security and STEM focused Universities, 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 of

State 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, fait@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 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 HR/REE and IRM to garner support for and assistance with FAIT 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 mandatory half-day of training and one day of interviewing candidates. The writing panel reviews, evaluates and rank orders applicants’ essay submissions. The writing panel meets in

Washington, D.C. for one day of selection, to include mandatory training and scoring of the 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:

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:

o 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

Recipient screens for eligibility and completeness

Selection committee reduces fellow applicant pool

Selection committee interviews candidates, evaluates written essays and selects fellowship

Initial Review

Preliminary

Selection

Final

Selection process held in the Washington, DC area.

o 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.

o Seeking reasonable lodging for candidates and panelists during selection in venue near the Board of Examiners

(BEX) office space where selection interviews will take place.

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

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

o Preparing a user guide for each panelist.

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

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

o 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

Specialist 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 undergraduate and 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 states that FAIT

Fellow’s 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 Specialist Oral Assessment (FSS OA)

Ensuring each Fellow meets his/her contractual obligation in taking the FSS OA. Fellows are contractually obligated to take and pass the FSS OA. If a Fellow is unsuccessful at passing the FSS

OA, he or she may take the FSS OA, every 182 days up to the end of their five-year non-career appointment.

In consultation with HR/REE, arranging Foreign Service Specialist

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 30, 2020, September

30, 2021, and September 30, 2022, 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 2020 FAIT 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 EVALUATION AND

SCORING

Department of State/Bureau 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 U.S. Government funds, and satisfactory organizational capacity.

The Department of State reserves the right to make an award on the basis of initial application received with or without discussion or negotiations. Therefore, applications should contain the applicants’ best terms from both cost and technical standpoints.

This potential award will be a cooperative agreement requiring substantial involvement on the part of the Department of State (HR/REE), such as but not limited to, close collaboration and approval of every phase of the project.

It is Department of State policy that English is the official language and U.S. dollar is the controlling currency. Proposal and related supporting documents must be

English and accompanying budget in U.S. dollars.

Eligible applications will be evaluated by an independent review panel consisting of subject matter experts from other DOS bureaus/or offices or other USG agencies.

The following criteria will serve as a standard which all eligible applications will be evaluated against. Each eligible application will be evaluated and scored on the review criteria using a 100-point scale.

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 subject matter experts from other DOS bureaus and offices, U.S.

Embassies, or other USG agencies. Final approval resides with the DOS Grants

Office.

The review panel will apply the following criteria when rating proposals:

1. Quality of Project Idea

The proposal responds to the NOFO and is appropriate in the country context;

The proposal exhibits originality but is feasible;

The proposal directly connects proposed activities with the desired outcomes (goals and objectives). 10 points

2. Project Planning/Ability to Achieve Objectives

The proposal provides a detailed work plan of proposed project activities and includes a clear articulation of how these activities will contribute to the overall project’s goals and objectives for the Foreign Affairs IT Fellowship;

The proposal-articulated the project activities are specific, measurable, attainable, and placed in a reasonable time frame (SMART). 30 points

3. Organizational Capability and Record of Performance

The proposal illustrates 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. 25 points

4. Budget and Cost Effectiveness

The administration of the proposal budget, including salaries and honoraria, are explained and justified for the work involved;

Proposed costs are reasonable and necessary and linked to program objectives and demonstrate efficient use of U.S. Government funds. 10 points

5. Project Management and Evaluation

The Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Plan includes narrative explaining how monitoring and evaluation will be carried out. Design and effectiveness of applicant’s recruitment, implementation and evaluation plans and how they will be used to achieve program goals.

(Including potential contracted M&E experts, if applicable). 15 points

6. Sustainability of Impact

Applicant’s clear articulation of how desired outcomes will be generated and methods used to ensure sustainability of the program. Clearly delineating how impact will be sustainable beyond the life of the grant. 10 points

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.

FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION:

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

Issuance of this NOFO does not constitute a commitment on the part of the Department of State to issue an award nor does it commit the U.S. Government to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of an application. Furthermore, award cannot be issued until funds have been fully appropriated, allocated, and committed through internal DOS procedures. While it is anticipated that these procedures will be successfully completed, potential applicants are hereby notified of these requirements.

All preparation and submission costs are at the applicant’s expense.

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

2 CFR §200.501 requires domestic/US non-federal entities that expend $750,000, or more, in federal assistance during organization’s fiscal year to have a single or program-specific audit conducted for that year. In addition, the entity must report the collected audit data elements on the form SF-SAC and submit it to the FAC. Any findings such as material weaknesses, significant deficiencies, or material noncompliance are reported on the SF-SAC.

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

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

Recipient will be required to submit Quarterly Progress and Quarterly Financial Reports

(SF-425), unless special conditions apply, describing key activities undertaken during the reporting period towards accomplishment of the stated objectives. Financial Reports provide a means of monitoring expenditures.

NOTE: It is the Department of State policy that English is the official language of all award documents. If reports or any other supporting documents are provided in both

English and a foreign language, it must be stated in each version that the English language version is the controlling version. U.S. dollar is the controlling currency.

Financial reports must be submitted in U.S. dollars.

OTHER INFORMATION:

Mandatory disclosures (2 CFR 200.113)

Non-federal entity, recipient 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 Terms and

Conditions for Recipient Integrity and Performance Matters -- are required to report certain civil, criminal, or administrative proceedings to www.sam.gov .

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 Integrity 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 www.sam.gov (currently FAPIIS) (see 41 U.S.C. 2313). Applicant, at its option, may review information in the designated integrity and performance systems accessible through www.sam.gov 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. 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 or a designate 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.

Applicant organizations must demonstrate adherence to equal opportunity employment practices and commitment to non-discrimination with respect to http://www.sam.gov/ beneficiaries. Non-discrimination includes equal treatment without regard to race, religion, ethnicity, gender, and political affiliation.

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.

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 will be incorporated into the Notice of 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 or decrease funding or extend the period of performance is at the total discretion of the Department of State and availability of funding.

III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

See the cover page, Eligibility Category.

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 on page 1 (cover page). 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.

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

VanZalenJD@state.gov and GeorgeCM@state.gov with project’s title and your organization’s name in the subject line.

mailto:VanZalenJD@state.gov mailto:ritterk1@state.gov