PKG00252546-instructions.pdf

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

U.S. EMBASSY LONDON

Notice of Funding Opportunity

Funding Opportunity Title: Future Agricultural Leaders Exchange Funding Opportunity Number: DOS-London-PD-2019-CA-019 Deadline for Applications: August 2, 2019, 17:00 GMT CFDA Number: 19.451 Total Amount Available: $100,000 to 125,000

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Embassy of the United States in London invites eligible organizations to submit proposals to develop and implement a two- to three-week exchange program on the topic of the U.S.

livestock, dairy, and grains industry for young UK farmers, students of agricultural studies, and young people working in industries closely associated with farming in the UK. The program should include site visits and meetings in a variety of U.S. locations of interest to the agricultural industry in the United States. The program will provide a well-rounded introduction to a range of agricultural issues and exploration of U.S. public and private sector approaches. Strictly subject to the availability of funds, the Embassy of the United States in London expects to select one program implementer for a grant award from $100,000 up to $125,000.

The implementing partner will be responsible for arranging all program logistics (international and domestic flights, accommodation, and transport) as well as the agenda of meetings, activities, and cultural events. The program should introduce them to the range of diverse agricultural practices in the United States and encourage connections between the next generation of U.S. and UK agricultural leaders as partners in trade, innovation, and exchange in best practices.

Program Objectives:

The Embassy of the United States in London expects the program to:

Identify, inspire, and connect future agricultural leaders in the United States and United Kingdom;

Give participants firsthand, high-level exposure to the wide range of agricultural practices in the United States, from small family-owned organic farming through urban farming to large-scale farming operations. The focus should primarily be on livestock and dairy and give the participants the opportunity to see what the United Kingdom and United States do similarly and differently, technology uptake, marketing and value-adding with a view to identifying best practices for application in the United Kingdom;

Provide participants with an improved understanding of the U.S. federal system and how agricultural issues are addressed at different levels of government;

Give British participants first-hand cultural insights into the United States with an emphasis on countryside pursuits.

Suggested meetings/resources may include (but are not limited to):

U.S. Department of Agriculture U.S. Food and Drug Administration/food safety agencies Federal, state, and local government entities that are promoting agriculture in unique ways Organizations focused on the next generation of U.S. agricultural leaders (4H Clubs, Future Farmers of America), perhaps with a combined social event or visit(s) Site visits at U.S. ranches, farms, agricultural research facilities, and other work places crucial to livestock and dairy industries Universities with strong programs relevant to the industry Home stay experience with a U.S. family with relevant ties to agricultural industry Private sector and agricultural companies

As participants may require visas, the budget should allow for any mandatory visa application fees per participant as set by the U.S. Department of State on https://travel.state.gov and the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee, if applicable. Potential grant recipients should consult directly with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and Bureau of Consular Affairs with questions on visas for the participants.

Potential grant recipients should also already be registered, or be prepared to register, as a Designated Sponsor Organization in order to facilitate a U.S. government-funded exchange program, if applicable. For more information on this process, please see https://j1visa.state.gov/sponsors/.

Please plan for dietary restrictions, such as awareness of halal or vegetarian requirements, and for reasonable accommodation for participants with disabilities.

Participants and Audiences:

The participants will be between the ages of 18 and 26 and be members of the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC, which supports England and Wales) and its sister organizations: the Scottish Association of Young Farmers (SAYFC) in Scotland and Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster (YFCU) in Northern Ireland. They will be young farmers, agricultural studies students, or young people working in agricultural support industries, particularly focused on livestock and dairy industries. The participants will be selected by NFYFC in cooperation with the Embassy of the United States in London. Ideal number of participants is 10, but strong proposals for eight to 12 participants will be considered.

Anticipated Timeline:

September 2019: Grant is awarded October to December 2019: Program and logistical planning January to February 2020: UK participants are selected March 2020: Program itinerary is finalized April 2020: Participants travel to United States May 2020: De-briefing session with UK participants July 2020: Final program and financial reports due

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Length of performance period: October 1, 2019, to July 31, 2020 Number of awards anticipated: One award Award amounts: Awards may range from a minimum of $100,000 to a maximum of $125,000 Type of Funding: FY19 Public Diplomacy Funds Anticipated program start date: April 2020

This notice is subject to availability of funding.

Funding Instrument Type: Funding will be awarded through a cooperative agreement.

Cooperative agreements are different from grants in that embassy staff are more actively involved in the grant implementation. The Embassy of the United States in London will select participants for the exchange program.

Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 10 months or less.

The Embassy of the United States in London 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 its best interest.

C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION

1. Eligible Applicants

The following organizations are eligible to apply:

Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations

Public and private educational institutions Individuals Public international organizations and governmental institutions

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

Grantees are encouraged to consider cost sharing possibilities in order to increase community and stakeholder engagement in the project; however, cost sharing will not be a deciding factor.

Cost sharing can take the form of both allowable direct and indirect costs. For accountability, the recipient must maintain records to support all costs claimed as part of the cost share agreement. Such records are subject to audit. Please refer to 2 CFR 200.306 Cost Sharing or Matching.

3. Other Eligibility Requirements

All federal assistance recipients must have a Dun & Bradstreet Number (DUNS) and a CCR (CAGE) number and an active account with the System for Award Management (SAM) prior to funds disbursement. Organizations do not need to have these numbers at the time of application;

however, time to make the application will need to be factored into the timeline for awarding the grant.

To obtain a DUNS number, please follow the steps below:

1. Go to http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform/pages/CCRSearch.jsp.

2. Select the country where your organization is physically located.

3. Complete and submit the form.

Organizations will need to provide basic information, including physical and mailing addresses, name and title of the chief executive, primary Standard Industrial Code (SIC), and annual revenue. Typically, organizations can complete this process in one day and have a DUNS number emailed to them. For technical difficulties in obtaining this number, please contact D&B at: govt@dnb.com.

The System for Award Management (SAM) is a U.S.-government wide registry of vendors doing business with the U.S. federal government and requires annual renewal. The system centralizes information about grant applicants/recipients, and provides a central location for grant applicants/recipients to change organizational information. Foreign-based applicants are strongly encouraged to review these guides when creating an account with SAM.gov. Further, applicants must maintain an active account, with current information, while its application is under consideration for funding. To keep an active SAM.gov account, applicants must renew it at least once each year. If an account expires, the organization cannot submit a grant application until it is renewed. To create a new account, please follow the steps below:

1. Go to the SAM website.

2. Select Create User Account, and then select Create an Account on the left-hand side of the screen under Individual Account Details. Organizations must have DUNS number and a CAGE number (U.S. domestic organizations) or a NCAGE number (foreign organizations), to create an account.

3. Complete and submit the online form.

If the applying organization already has the necessary information on hand (see the SAM User Guide), the online form takes approximately one hour to complete, depending upon the size and complexity of the applying entity. Because of the different steps in the process, it can take anywhere from three to 14 days (in some cases longer) to complete the process of creating an account with the system. For help with SAM.gov, please visit their support page at FSD.gov or contact them at: (+1) 334-206-7828.

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

1. Address to Request Application Package

Application forms required below are available at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/forms-repository.html.

2. 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. Applications must include all of the information listed in the U.S. Embassy grant proposal template.

The deadline for receipt of applications is 17:00 GMT on August 2, 2019. The U.S. Embassy in London reserves the right to reduce, revise, or increase proposal configurations, budgets, and/or participant numbers in accordance with the needs of the program, the availability of funds, and concurrence of the applicant.

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

The following documents are required:

1. Mandatory application forms at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/forms-repository.html

SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance – Organizations) or SF-424-I (Application for Federal Assistance – Individuals)

SF424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs) SF424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs)

2. Summary Page: Cover sheet stating the applicant name and organization, proposal date, program title, program period proposed start and end date, and brief purpose of the program.

3. Proposal: 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 Embassy of the United States in London and/or other 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 time-frame 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:

One-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.

Documentation of your organization’s non-profit status.

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

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 DUNS number and an NCAGE number (these can be completed simultaneously)

DUNS application: Organizations must have a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number from Dun & Bradstreet. If your organization does not have one already, you may obtain one by calling 1-866-705-5711 or visiting http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform.

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%20NCA GE.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.

4. Submission Dates and Times

Applications are due no later than 17:00 GMT on August 2, 2019.

5. Funding Restrictions

None.

6. Other Submission Requirements

All application materials must be submitted by email to LondonGrants@state.gov.

E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

1. Criteria

Each application will be evaluated and rated on the basis of the evaluation criteria outlined below.

The Embassy Public Diplomacy Grants Committee will use the following criteria to evaluate proposals received in response to this funding opportunity:

Executive Summary: The executive summary must succinctly describe the need for the program with regards to location, the extent and nature of the program, and the audiences being selected for the program.

Strategic Objectives and Program Description: A clear overview of the program and its background, as well as goals and objectives of the program, should be indicated in the proposal.

The Embassy Public Diplomacy Grants Committee will closely consider whether the overall objectives lead to the goals of the program. Applicants should describe what they propose to do and how they will do it. The proposed activities must directly relate to meeting the goals and objectives, and applicants should include information on how they will measure and evaluate program effectiveness. The Embassy Public Diplomacy Grants Committee will evaluate the activities planned in terms of their relevance to the program goals and objectives, the feasibility of the proposed activities and their timeline for completion, and the extent to which the impact of the program will continue beyond conclusion of the funding period.

Budget: Costs should be reasonable and realistic in relation to the program activities.

Applicants are encouraged to provide as much detail as possible so that the committee may determine the extent to which the request represents an efficient use of U.S. government resources. The budget should be consistent with the narrative description of the program and should reflect the applicant’s understanding of the allowable cost principles established by Title 2 CFR 200.306 (Part 230) on cost principles for non-profit organizations. The Embassy of the United States in London will accept a 10% management fee unless an organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA). Costs must be provided in U.S. dollars.

The program proposals should include cost estimates for the UK participants’ international and U.S. domestic travel. Please factor flights for all British participants to travel from a variety of locations across the United Kingdom. Please also make every effort to hold the international flights with a group rate immediately following the award of the grant. All U.S. government-financed international air transportation must be accomplished by U.S. flag air carriers or U.S.

code sharing to the extent that service by those carriers is available.

The lodging should be single occupancy. Insurance should be included for all participants, meeting at least the following requirements: (1) medical benefits of at least $50,000 per accident or illness; (2) repatriation of remains in the amount of $7,500; (3) expenses associated with the medical evacuation to home country in the amount of $10,000; and (4) a deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness. Per diem based on specific city rate(s) should be included.

Cost Sharing: Grantees are encouraged to consider cost sharing possibilities in order to increase community and stakeholder engagement in the project; however, cost sharing will not be a deciding factor. Cost sharing can take the form of both allowable direct and indirect costs. For accountability, the recipient must maintain records to support all costs claimed as part of the cost share agreement. Such records are subject to audit. Please refer to Title 2 CFR 200.306 Cost Sharing or Matching.

Performance Indicators and Monitoring Plan: Proposals should have a clear monitoring and evaluation plan to ensure proper implementation of the program.

2. Review and Selection Process

A Grants Review Committee will evaluate all eligible applications. Successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified in writing.

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

The Embassy of the United States in London 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);

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 U.S.

government awarding agency previously entered and is currently in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM;

The U.S. Embassy in London 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.

F. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

1. Federal Award Notices

The grant award or cooperative agreement 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 Embassy of the United States in London 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 Embassy of the United States in London.

Issuance of this notice of funding opportunity does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the Embassy of the United States in London, nor does it commit the Embassy to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of proposals. Further, Embassy reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received.

Payment Method: The Embassy of the United States in London will provide up to 80% of the total award up front to the successful applicant. The remaining 20% will be reimbursed upon successful completion of the program. The Embassy of the United States in London reserves the right to amend the final amount to be reimbursed after reviewing the final progress and financial reports.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

Terms and Conditions: Before submitting an application, applicants should review all the terms and conditions and required certifications which will apply to this award, to ensure that they will be able to comply. These include: 2 CFR 200, 2 CFR 600, Certifications and Assurances, and the Department of State Standard Terms and Conditions, all of which are available at: https://www.statebuy.state.gov/fa/pages/home.aspx. Note the U.S flag branding and marking requirements in the Standard Terms and Conditions.

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.

G. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS

If you have any questions about the grant application process, please contact LondonGrants@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. If the program involves international travel, include a brief statement of justification for that 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.

Alcoholic Beverages: Please note that award funds cannot be used for alcoholic beverages.