PKG00254000-instructions.docx

United States Department of State Notice of Funding Opportunity Number U.S. Embassy Mozambique

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY OVERVIEW

Catalog of Federal Domestic

Cost-Sharing: Not required

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 websites 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 Incomplete application packages will not be considered. 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 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 will not be considered.

The decision for the final eligibility and award determination rests with the Grants Officer.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The United States Embassy in Mozambique announces a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to conduct audience analysis and work with local influencers to design targeted strategic communications interventions in northern Mozambique. Subject to the availability of funds, the Embassy intends to issue one cooperative agreement of up to $500,000 for a program period of up to 24 months. The anticipated start date for this activity is October 1, 2019.

U.S. Embassy Mozambique 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.

This NOFO consists of the Overview and Executive Summary, plus the following sections:

I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

II. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

V. APPLICATION EVALUATION AND SCORING

VI. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

VII. AGENCY CONTACTS

I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

BACKGROUND

Mozambique saw its first violent extremist attacks in October 2017. Since, the rate and severity of attacks have increased, with violent extremists targeting both civilians and security actors. The U.S. and Mozambican governments have a shared interest in stability in the region, as ongoing violence threatens human security, development progress, and economic advancement.

Limited research and restricted access to communities affected by the violence necessitate a deeper understanding of the conflict environment in northern Mozambique. Further, while stakeholders are working to contend with the complex nature and multiple drivers contributing to the violence, capacity is limited. Community members and influencers would benefit from training, mentorship, and assistance designing strategic communications interventions to stymie expansion of recruitment and radicalization to violence.

PROJECT GOAL

This program aims to strengthen Mozambican capacity to prevent and counter violent extremism and conflict by leveraging analysis-driven strategic communications interventions.

PROJECT OBJECTIVES & ACTIVITIES

The ‘Strategic Communications for Community Resilience in Mozambique’ program has two core objectives:

Objective 1: Increase stakeholder (local influencers, international donor community, private sector, partner nation, etc.) understanding of the strategic communications environment in northern Mozambique.

Activities could include, but are not limited to:

· Conducting an in-depth analysis of at-risk groups, key influencers, enablers/perpetrators, narratives (positive and negative), and terminology that resonate with relevant groups, information sharing networks and tools, and dissemination channels;

· Building the capacity of local researchers and organizations to conduct violent extremism and conflict mapping and assessments;

· Convening community, peer group, and government forums to share analytical findings and increase awareness of risks of violent extremism and conflict; and,

· Conducting regular, rapid assessments of local dynamics to monitor changes in context.

Objective 2: Enable local stakeholders to design and implement resonant strategic messaging activities that reinforce local resiliency and prevent the expansion of violent extremism and conflict.

Activities could include, but are not limited to:

· Small grants for local organizations to design and implement strategic messaging campaigns;

· Co-designing and implementing conflict and violent extremism prevention interventions with local influencers and stakeholders;

· Supporting peer networks and traditionally marginalized groups to effectively communicate with one another on the risks of violent extremism;

· Facilitating relationships between community members and government representatives to improve information sharing and government responsiveness to community grievances; and,

· Training of community leaders and local government actors to identify and analyze recruitment and radicalization risks.

PROJECT CONSIDERATIONS

Coordination and partnerships – Building and maintaining partnerships with all appropriate stakeholders is a critical component of successful implementation of this program. The implementer is encouraged to coordinate with national and local bodies when appropriate. The implementer should prioritize coordination with existing U.S. government and other donor-funded programs and make every effort to ensure optimal use of resources and continuous de-confliction of efforts.

Risk mitigation – Implementers are encouraged to develop risk mitigation strategies to ensure the safety of implementing staff, communities, and program beneficiaries.

Conflict Sensitivity – Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate expertise with implementation in sensitive environments, preferably in regions prone to violent extremist activity. Similarly, applicants are encouraged to demonstrate in-depth understanding of Mozambique’s cultural context and governance structures.

Gender Mainstreaming – Per the Women Peace and Security Act of 2017, the United States is committed to the meaningful participation of women in conflict prevention, management, and resolution. This includes promoting the physical safety of women and girls, collecting and analyzing gender data for the purpose of developing and enhancing early warning systems for conflict and violence, and integrating the perspectives and interests of affected women into conflict-prevention activities and strategies.

Analysis Objective(s) and Methodology – Analytical/research/assessment methodology should be clearly articulated and applicants are encouraged to demonstrate how the necessary data will be collected. This may include surveys, focus group discussions (FGDs), key informant interviews, etc. Please include how women and other relevant target groups will be incorporated into the methodology based on the research gaps identified.

II. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

The U.S. Government may make award on the basis of initial applications received, without discussions or negotiations. Each initial application should contain the applicant's best terms from a cost and technical standpoint.

Cooperative Agreement: The successful applicant will be issued a cooperative agreement with substantial involvement from U.S. Embassy Mozambique and the U.S. Department of State’s Global Engagement Center in the recipient’s implementation of this program. Other areas of substantial involvement will include review and approval of substantive provisions of proposed sub-awards or contracts beyond existing Federal policy.

Issuance of the solicitation 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.

All applicants should be familiar with OMB Circular 2 CFR Part 200.

III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

U.S. or foreign-based non-profit/non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or education institutions having a 501(c) (3) status with the IRS; commercial entities; for profit organizations; overseas non-governmental organizations.

IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

Technically eligible submissions are those that: 1) Arrive via Grants.gov (www.grants.gov) by 20 August 2019, 11:59pm Eastern Daylight Time; and, 2) heed all instructions contained in the NOFO.

The U.S. Department of State requires that awards be solicited, negotiated, and issues via State Award Management System (SAMS). The applicant must secure the ability to manage the award through SAMS.

For all application documents, please ensure:

1. All pages are numbered, including budgets and attachments

2. All documents are formatted to 8 ½ x 11 paper

3. All Microsoft Word documents are single-spaced, 12 point Times New Roman front, with one-inch margins

4. All documents must be submitted in English

Applicants are encouraged to submit multiple sections in a single Microsoft Word document (e.g., Table of Contents, Executive Summary, and Proposal Narrative in one file).

Complete applications must include the following for proposal submissions:

1. Forms: Completed and signed SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B

2. Table of Contents: Not to exceed one [1] page in Microsoft Word for the full proposal, including attachments, with page numbers

3. Proposal Narrative: The Proposal Narrative is a key part of the application (not to exceed ten pages). Please note that the page limit does not include the Table of Contents, Attachments, Detailed Budget & Budget Narrative, or NICRA (if applicable). Applicants are encouraged to submit multiple sections in a single Microsoft Word document (e.g., Table of Contents, Executive Summary, and Proposal Narrative in one file).

In the Proposal Narrative, applicants should describe the problem and how the project will achieve or contribute to achieving a sustainable solution and a measurable outcome. Applicants should describe the planned activities and relevant stakeholders for implementation. Applicants should also list assumptions that will affect the ultimate success of the project. The applicant should explain, as necessary, the particular expertise and qualifications the organization brings to the project.

Proposal Narratives should include:

· Executive Summary (not to exceed one page)

· Approach and methodology

· Implementation plan

· Institutional capabilities and past performance

· Performance monitoring and evaluation plan

Executive Summary: A succinct one-page summary containing information that the applicant believes best represents its proposed program. Includes name and contact information for the program’s main point of contact.

Approach and methodology: Successful applications under this funding opportunity will describe an approach based on conflict/context analysis that leads to a concrete program change hypothesis. The proposed program’s goal and objectives should be fully explained and align with U.S. government policy. Objectives should be measurable, results-focused and achievable within the timeframe of the program. All activities should be clearly developed and sufficiently detailed to understand the resource and time requirements, and how they contribute to the objectives and goal. Please provide a theory of change for your program that explains explicit causal connections between the program’s activities, key intermediate outcomes, objectives, and the long-term goal. It should briefly explain how the program theory of change interacts with the broader system of conflict interventions by the U.S. Government and others.

Implementation Plan: Describe the proposed activities and how they will achieve the objectives and the goal of the program. This section should demonstrate how the proposed activities build upon one another and are logically sequenced to achieve the desired outcomes. The applicant must submit a plan that sets out a realistic outline of tasks and deliverables, anticipated time frames, challenges, opportunities and due dates, and persons responsible for achieving each task. List any significant risks of harm to implementers, participants, beneficiaries or their communities, or of exacerbating or creating new conflict. Explain how risks will be minimized. Strong proposals will describe strategies to sustain the outcomes beyond U.S. Embassy Mozambique funding and contribute to building the capacity of communities to address their own concerns in future. The program design should reflect local perspectives (or describe how eventual activities will determine and build on local perspectives) and explain how the program will engage with local partners throughout its lifecycle. This should be a narrative description.

Institutional capabilities and past performance: Provide a description of the applicant organization and demonstrate the ability of the organization to develop and implement CVE, strategic communications, and conflict mitigation programs. Previous experience designing and implementing similar programs in challenging environments is highly desirable and should be detailed and documented in the application. Applicants should demonstrate how organization resources, capabilities, experience, and lessons learned from research and literature will enable the applicant to achieve stated objectives. Applications should highlight key staff, their positions, percentage of time devoted to this program, and management structure for the program, including those responsible for monitoring and evaluation design and oversight.

Performance monitoring and evaluation plan: This section should describe the applicant’s approach to monitoring and evaluation and why the approach is appropriate for the program and context. It should also include data collection tools, sources, types of data disaggregation (if applicable, and frequency of data collection. This should include the type of data you may collect (quantitative/qualitative). Please submit a notional logic model/PMP (use provided template; to be included as an attachment) that includes notional indicators at the objective, outcome, and output levels.

4. Detailed Line-Item Budget and Narrative: Budget must be in Microsoft Excel following the attached Excel Budget Template. A summary budget must be included using the OMB-approved budget categories (as in SF-424A). Costs must be presented in whole U.S. dollars. The budget narrative should include an explanation and justification for each line item in the detailed budget, including cost-share, if applicable. The budget narrative should communicate any information that might not be readily apparent in the budget, not simply repeat with words what is stated numerically in the budget. For ease of review, we ask applicants to order the budget narrative to correspond to the detailed line-item budget.

5. Attachments: Three mandatory attachments include the following (5-10 pages, preferably in Microsoft Word):

a) Performance Monitoring Plan with Logic Model

b) Timeline/Schedule of Activities

c) Key Personnel

Further attachments are optional and may include further timeline information, letters of support, memoranda of understanding (MOU)/agreement, etc.

6. NICRA/Indirect Cost Rate: If your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA), your latest approved NICRA must be included as a .pdf file. Applicants should indicate in the proposal budget how the rate is applied and if any of the rate will be cost-shared. This document will not be reviewed by the panelists, but rather by the Grants Officer if the proposal is recommended for funding. If your proposal involves sub-grants to organizations charging indirect costs, please submit the applicable NICRA also as a .pdf file.

Per 2 CFR 200.414, applicants that do not have a NICRA may elect to charge a de minimis rate of up to 10% of modified total direct costs (MTDC) which may be used indefinitely. If your organization has a NICRA rate, you are not allowed to apply the 10% de minimis or to alternate between the NICRA and the 10% de minimis. For organizations that apply the 10% de minimis, this methodology must be applied consistently for all federal awards until a non-federal entity chooses to negotiate for a NICRA rate. As described in 2 CFR 200.403, costs must be consistently charged as either indirect or direct costs, but may not be double- charged or inconsistently charged as both.

7. Audit: Include a copy of your organization’s most recent audit (A-133, if applicable, or the annual in-house audit, please refer to the 2 CRF 200 for requirements). Like the NICRA documentation, this document will not be reviewed by the review panel. The applicant’s proposal should include the cost of an audit that:

a. Complies with the requirements of 2 CFR 200 Subpart F “Audit Requirements”

b. Complies with the requirements of American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Statement of Position (SOP) No. 92-9, “Audits of Not-for-Profit Organizations Receiving federal Awards”

c. Complies with AICPA Codification of Statements on Auditing Standards AU Section 551, “Reporting on Information Accompanying the Basic Financial Statements in Auditor-Submitted Documents,” where applicable. When the U.S. Department of State is the largest direct source of federal financial assistance (i.e., the cognizant federal Agency) and indirect costs are charged to federal grants, a supplemental schedule of indirect cost computation is required.

A non-federal entity that expends $750,000 or more during the non-federal entity's fiscal year in federal awards must have a single or program-specific audit conducted for that year in accordance with the provisions of 2 CFR 200 subpart F. For more information, see Audit Services, 2 CFR 200.425.

FUNDING RESTRICTIONS

The U.S. Department of State does not pay for the following (this list is NOT exhaustive):

· Publication of materials for distribution within the United States;

· Administration of a project that will make a profit;

· Expenses incurred before or after the specified dates of award period of performance (unless prior written approval is received);

· Projects designed to advocate policy views or positions of foreign governments or views of a particular political faction;

· Alcoholic beverages;

· Costs of entertainment, including amusement, diversion, and social activities and any associated costs are unallowable, except where specific costs that might otherwise be considered entertainment have a programmatic purpose and are authorized either in the approved budget for the federal award or with prior written approval of the federal awarding agency;

· Land;

· Construction.

Leahy Vetting Requirement: Leahy vetting is required when training or assistance is provided to foreign security forces, including when such assistance is provided under a grant or cooperative agreement. Leahy Vetting requirements will be fully outlined in the final award agreement.

V. APPLICATION EVALUATION AND SCORING

U.S. Embassy Mozambique may 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. The U.S. Government may (a) reject any or all applications, and/or (b) waive informalities and minor irregularities in applications received.

U.S. Embassy Mozambique 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 program’s description, budget, or other aspects of an application.

U.S. Embassy Mozambique 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, offices, and Posts. Final approval resides with U.S. Embassy Mozambique’s Public Affairs Office.

The point value for each section outlined below indicates its relative importance in the application review process. Evaluation values are based on five narrative components and two budget components.

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

Quality of Program Idea – 25 points

· Responsive to the solicitation and appropriate in the country context. Is designed to strengthen Mozambican capacity to prevent and counter violent extremism and conflict by leveraging analysis-driven strategic communications interventions.

· Clearly states theory of change

· Establishes direct connection between proposed activities and the desired results

· Exhibits originality, prioritizes innovation, but is feasible Program Planning / Ability to Achieve Objectives – 25 points

· Includes a clear articulation of how the proposed program activities contribute to the overall program objectives

· Activities are developed and detailed. Objectives are clear, specific, attainable, measurable results-focused and placed in a reasonable time frame

· Addresses need for flexibility and ability to adapt to changing conditions on the ground, and U.S. Embassy of Mozambique and other partner feedback.

· Describes the division of labor among the direct applicant, any partners, and any potential sub-grantees; addresses how the program will engage or obtain support from relevant stakeholders; and identifies local partners where appropriate

· Includes contingency plans for potential difficulties in executing the original work plan

· Demonstrates an institutional record of successful programs in the target country or content area Cost Effectiveness – 15 points

· Explains and justifies overhead and administration costs of the proposal, including salaries and honoraria.

· All budget items are reasonable, appropriate and linked to program objectives and demonstrate efficient use of U.S. Government funds

NOTE: This NOFO does not require cost-share. Applicants may voluntarily offer cost-share; however, it will not be factored in during proposal review.

Program Monitoring and Evaluation – 20 points The Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Plan includes:

· Explains how monitoring and evaluation will be carried out and who will be responsible for monitoring and evaluation activities.

· Robust M&E framework includes output- and outcome-based performance indicators for each program objective. Includes targets; data collection tools; data sources; types of data disaggregation, including by sex, if applicable; and frequency of monitoring and evaluation.

Multiplier Effect / Sustainability of Impact – 15 points

· Clearly delineates how elements of the program will have a multiplier effect

· Clearly delineates how impact will be sustainable beyond the life of the grant

VI. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION:

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 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 will provide a means of monitoring expenditures and comparing costs incurred with progress.

NOTE: English is the official language of all documents. If reports or any 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.

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 Terms and Conditions for Recipient Integrity and Performance Matters – are required to report certain civil, criminal, or administrative proceedings to SAM (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 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.

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 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.

VII. AGENCY CONTACTS

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 U.S. Embassy Mozambique at MaputoPDproposals@state.gov. Please use the subject line: “Strategic Communications for Community Resilience in Mozambique.”