PKG00253663-instructions.pdf

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

U.S. EMBASSY LONDON

Notice of Funding Opportunity

Funding Opportunity Title: E Pluribus Unum – The U.S. Experience Funding Opportunity Number: DOS-London-PD-2019-CA-029 Deadline for Applications: September 8, 2019, 17:00 GMT CFDA Number: 19.451 Total Amount Available: Up to $100,000

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Embassy of the United States in London invites eligible organizations to submit proposals to develop and implement a 10-day exchange visit to the United States focused on the concept of “e pluribus unum” (“out of many, one”). Specifically, the project will aim to explore comparative U.S. cases and resources for how the United Kingdom can remain a strong, unified country while also balancing distinct national identities. The project will concentrate on Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland and on historical factors that shape identity, such as the use of symbolism and ethnolinguistic factors, and examine the importance of fostering trust and understanding between groups. This exchange would draw on valuable comparisons and lessons from the United States’ tradition of federalism and celebration of dual identity. 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 up to $100,000.

Proposals should outline how the program implementer will manage, administer, and evaluate the exchange. If applicable, please plan for dietary restrictions, such as awareness of halal or vegetarian requirements, and for reasonable accommodation for participants with disabilities. 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/.

Program Objectives:

In this solicitation, the Embassy of the United States in London seeks proposals to develop and administer an exchange with the following objectives:

1. Improve participants’ understanding of complex issues surrounding the experience of identity, culture, and heritage among various minority identity groups in the United States and the interplay of community, state, and national identities;

2. Encourage positive discourse and self-reflection among Irish, Scottish, and Welsh participants representing diverse/opposing political, ideological, and religious views;

3. Explore educational initiatives and other societal measures promoting U.S. pluralism and appreciation for cultural, religious, and ethnolinguistic diversity;

4. Champion initiatives that build resilience and reduce tensions along sectarian boundaries and wherever the risk of extremism is heightened;

5. Disseminate core U.S. values and qualities in areas like citizenship, civil rights, and multicultural diversity.

Broad Program Themes:

1. Explore historical and contemporary factors that have shaped and currently affect American life and society. In particular, examine how the American people assimilate socially and ethnically, while at the same time, maintaining linguistic, cultural, and ethnic identities (e.g., Navajo Nation in northern Arizona/New Mexico, Cajuns in southern Louisiana, Cuban-Americans in Miami);

2. Provide a comprehensive overview of the social, political, economic, and cultural diversity of the United States as well as an introduction to American history in order to better understand its role (“e pluribus unum”). Some focus should be given to the balance between national identity and local identity (e.g., Texan versus American), the unique contribution of the Scots-Irish and Irish-American diaspora within this (e.g., Irish in Butte, Montana, Welsh in Alabama).

3. Explore how culture, language, and identity are celebrated in the United States and particular ways in which cultural expression can convey a plurality of identity, creativity, belief systems, as well as diversity and tolerance. The exchange may also include a multilayered look at Southern heritage and identity, for example, the legacy of the Confederacy, white nationalism, and violent extremism (e.g., 2015 Emanuel AME Church shooting in Charleston, South Carolina) and the symbolic and specific role of Civil War monuments.

Participants and Audiences: 10 highly targeted stakeholders across the political and cultural spectrum in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. This includes, but is not restricted to, community groups, government officials, NGOs, and law enforcement officials.

Anticipated Timeline:

September 2019: Grant is awarded.

October 2019: Embassy communicates with successful implementing partner to agree next steps and discuss details of the exchange.

November - December 2019: U.S. Embassy/Consulates select program participants.

February 2019: Draft itinerary is in place.

March 2020: Exchange takes place (exact dates TBC).

April - May 2020: Debrief takes place (exact dates TBC).

June 2020: Project completion and final financial and program reports due.

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Length of performance period: October 1, 2019 to December 31, 2020 Number of awards anticipated: One award Award amounts: Up to $100,000 Type of Funding: FY19 Public Diplomacy Funds

Anticipated program start date: March 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 15 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 September 8, 2019. The Embassy of the United States 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 September 8, 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 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.

If air transportation is necessary, 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.

Per diem based on specific city rate(s) should be included. Lodgings should be single occupancy and budgeted accordingly. 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.

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 Embassy of the United States 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 of the United States in London to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of proposals.

Further, the Embassy of the United States in London reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received.

Payment Method: The Embassy of the United States in London will provide payments to the successful applicant in periodic installments based on its prospective deadlines for the program.

The Embassy of the United States in London reserves the right to amend the final amount to be disbursed.

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.