PKG00260673-instructions.docx

U.S. MISSION INDIA PUBLIC DIPLOMACY GRANTS PROGRAM

Funding Opportunity Title: ND-NOFO-20-104: Think Tank Engagement on Indo-Pacific Issues CFDA Number: 19.040 - Public Diplomacy Programs

ICS: 3.2

Contact: Grant Applications Manager, U.S. Embassy, New Delhi Email: ND_GrantApplications@state.gov Application Open Date: 4/1/2020

Section I. Funding Opportunity Description

The U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Section in New Delhi is soliciting proposals for a grant/cooperative agreement that meets the specifications stated in Section II from legally recognized non-profit, non-governmental organizations that meet U.S. and Indian technical and legal requirements to develop and implement public diplomacy programs as specified by Section II below. Information about the Public Affairs Section can be found at: https://in.usembassy.gov/.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT TO ALL POTENTIAL APPLICANTS: In light of the restrictive travel and public gathering environments we face globally due to the COVID-19 situation, the U.S. Mission to India invites interested applicants to submit one or two proposals in response to the reference Notice of Funding Announcement (NOFO). One proposal may be based on “business as usual” environments, where international travel, large public gatherings, and other programming parameters are unaffected by public health constraints. A second proposal, which is optional, would describe your ideas on how to execute the desired project goals in a manner that accounts for restrictions on public gatherings and travel, as well as public health concerns. We encourage creative ideas for remote/online content delivery, online/virtual promotional activities, and virtual participant/audience follow-up. If you choose to submit two separate proposals, the associated budget submission may also reflect different costs you would project for these two operating environments.

Background:

Regional and global supply chains offer potentially boundless economic opportunity for India to serve as a global trade base, especially through expanded ties with economies in East Asia and elsewhere in the Indo-Pacific region, including ASEAN countries, Australia, Korea, and Japan. Foreign investors, however, frequently decide to locate production nodes elsewhere in the region, noting the lack of regional integration and resulting costs of using India as a global export base. Successful economic integration into the broader Indo-Pacific is crucial for developing India’s manufacturing sector, stimulating economic growth, and creating jobs for the one million Indians joining the work force every month. What are the options available to Indian entrepreneurs, businesses, and policy makers to attract such investment? What are the main impediments? Specifically, how have investment conditions changed in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, and has regional integration changed business calculations in light of travel and shipping restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic? These are among the many questions requiring deeper discussion, debate, and published analysis.

Through this initiative the successful applicant will bring together Indian and regional thought leaders in New Delhi and across the Indo-Pacific region to discuss, analyze and formulate policy recommendations to improve India’s integration in regional and global supply chains. Rather than merely provide a platform for presentations and academic discussions, these events should be maximally interactive. In this regard, proposals taking a creative approach to intellectual discussion and debate and that integrate modern conference formats are strongly encouraged[footnoteRef:1]. Applicants should develop at least 10 audio/visual or other products designed to spark discussion for each topic at these events – for example, extremely brief video recorded interviews with Indian/foreign business leaders offering their views on event topics. At least one of the interviewees should be an American citizen representing a U.S. company. [1: Examples of modern conference formats can be found at the following links:

https://www.thebalancesmb.com/interactive-conference-ideas-to-engage-your-audience-1223534; http://www.iacconline.org/iacc-blog/innovative-meeting-formats-to-wow-your-guests; https://www.socialtables.com/blog/attendee-engagement/engaging-audience/; and https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/blog/formats-to-refresh-your-conference-ds00/ .

These references do not constitute an endorsement of the referenced sites or their content; these links are provided at the date of this NOFO only to demonstrate a range of possible formats.]

Project Goal:

As a result of this initiative, participants will be increasingly informed on vital economic issues, leading to increased thoughtful published analyses and public debate among think tank analysts, academics, and other thought/opinion leaders. While the applicant may propose the scope of economic issues to be discussed under this project, the changing business and trade environment in response to the COVID-19 pandemic is a topic that would garner significant interest under this announcement.

Project Audience:

The prospective target audience includes Indian and regional experts from diverse fields including think tanks, financial advocacy agencies, academic institutions, financial journalists, policy makers involved in India’s economic issues and representatives from the Government of India. To encourage continuity, Indian participants should mainly be based in, or frequently travel to, New Delhi. Analyst-counterparts from East Asian countries such as Japan, Korea, Australia, or ASEAN countries as well as regional (Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam) representatives should participate, as appropriate. At least one participating analyst in each event should be an American citizen. Participants should be carefully selected to represent divergent perspectives of the issue involved.

Project Objectives:

1. By the end of the performance period, the project should culminate in a list of at least five (5) published policy recommendations for the wider think tank/academic/business community on India’s role in the broader Indo Pacific economic sector.

2. Project should include a media campaign that results in at least five (5) mainstream media articles and two (2) TV or online enagements.

3. By the end of the performance period, the project has created 3 joint policy research initiatives that include Indian and regional thought leaders that address one or more of the specifc policy recommendtaions in objective one

Project Deliverables:

1. The grantee should arrange five (5) discussion events (conferences, workshops, roundtables, panels, meetings, or other formats). Each event should have about twenty-five (25) participants[footnoteRef:2]. [2: In addition to raising new points, each event should build on the previously raised point(s) to maximize the evolution of ideas. For example, issues/questions raised at one conference worthy of deeper discussion should be addressed more directly at the next one(s), with the aim of elucidating policy differences/similarities, singling out for special attention keystone issues for Indo-Pacific economic integration, investment and growth, and sustaining interest over time in these discussions.]

2. Project should facilitate a social media campaign to broadcast policy recommendations, at least (15) posts across at least (5) social media platforms, including Facebook and WhatsApp, and at least (1) hashtag.

3. Grantee should make four (4) thought leaders available for one day of audience engagement to be scheduled in consultation with New Delhi Public Affairs.

Section II. Detailed Project Description (to be completed by applicant)

Paragraph 1: Executive Summary. Please provide a general overview of the proposed project, and how, specifically, this application is responding to the NOFO prompt. What will be the focus of this project, what will be its SMART Objectives, and how will meeting these Objectives contribute to NOFO’s stated Project Goal?

Paragraph 2: Summary of Grantee Expertise, Previous Experience on this subject: Demonstrate applicant’s expertise and prior experience in topic area, including best practices and lessons learned. Discuss any networks or communities of practice that formed as a result of grantee’s previous activities, and how grantee would build on those networks. More details can be attached as an appendix.

Paragraph 3: Logistics, including Selection of Participants: How will applicant organize, coordinate, and execute activities in order to reach stated deliverables? How, specifically, will grantee select participants, whether event attendees, volunteers, or trainees? What is the specific selection process? What are the criteria?

Paragraph 4: Monitoring and Evaluation Plan: All projects must include a Results Monitoring Plan (RMP), which is a reference document that formally establishes project milestone, output, and outcome indicators, to be reported on a quarterly basis (RMP sample and template attached). Applicants can also include the following options, as deemed relevant:

a. Pre- and/or Post-Training Surveys regarding trainer and training content

b. Participant/Trainer Tracker

c. Pre- and/or Post-Tests covering training content

d. Focus Group Discussion Guides and Reports

e. Third-Party Evaluation Activities

Paragraph 5: Sustainability Planning: How will project ensure a lasting change or influence beyond the period of performance? Examples can include coaching and mentoring, fundraising training, and relationship-building with local partners.

Section III. Award Information

1. Funding Type and Amount: Grant/cooperative agreement

· Minimum Award Amount: $175,000

· Maximum Award Amount: $200,000

Note: Applicants are not required to pursue all project objectives and deliverables. What specific subject matter expertise does applicant possess, and which objectives and deliverables are they therefore best suited to pursue?

The Public Affairs Section reserves the right to award less or more than the funds described under circumstances deemed to be in the best interest of the U.S. government, pending the availability of funds and approval of the designated grants officer.

2. Project and Budget Periods: Should be appropriate to the award amount and complexity of the project.

Section IV. Eligibility Criteria

1. The following organizations are eligible to apply:

· Not-for-profit organizations

· Civil society/non-governmental organizations

· Think tanks

· Public and private educational institutions

· Individuals

· Public International Organizations and Governmental institutions

2. Please choose organization nationality and type: International Not-for-Profit Organization.

3. Organizations may sub-contract with other entities, but only one, non-profit, non-governmental entity can be the prime recipient of the award. When sub-contracting with other entities, the responsibilities of each entity must be clearly defined in the proposal.

4. Cost sharing or matching is not required for this funding opportunity.

5. Pre-award costs are not an allowable expense for this funding opportunity.

6. This award does not allow:

· Programs relating to partisan political activity;

· Charitable or development activities;

· Construction programs;

· Programs that support specific religious activities;

· Fund-raising campaigns;

· Lobbying for specific legislation or programs

· Scientific research or surveys;

· Commercial projects;

· Programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization;

· Programs that duplicate existing programs; or

· Illegal activities

Other Eligibility Requirements:

Organizations must have a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number from Dun & Bradstreet http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform and an active SAM registration (www.SAM.gov). The U.S. Department of State will not make an award to an applicant until the applicant has complied with all applicable DUNS and SAM requirements by the time the Department is ready to make an award.

Applicants must register with Grants.gov prior to submitting an application. Registering with Grants.gov is a one-time process; however, it may take weeks to have the registration validated and confirmed. Please begin the registration process immediately to ensure that the process is completed well in advance of the deadline for applications. Until that process is complete, you will not be issued a user password for Grants.gov, which is required for application submission. There are four steps that you must complete before you are able to register: (1) obtain a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number from Dun & Bradstreet (if your organization does not have one already) by visiting http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform ; (2) register with System for Award Management (SAM) www.SAM.gov; (3) register yourself as an Authorized Organization Representative (AOR); and (4) be authorized as an AOR by your organization. For more information, go to www.grants.gov. Please note that your SAM registration must be annually renewed. Failure to renew your SAM registration may prohibit submission of a grant application through Grants.gov.

For Indian applicants, the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) of the Government of India applies.

Applicants must acquire all required registrations and rights in the United States and India. All intellectual property considerations and rights must be fully met in the United States and India.

Any sub-recipient organization must also meet all the U.S. and Indian requirements described above.

Section V. Application Submission:

Instructions: Please follow all instructions below carefully. Failure to furnish all information or comply with stated requirements may lead to the application’s disqualification for consideration. Applicants must set forth accurate and complete information as required by this NOFO.

Applicants must ensure:

· All documents are in English

· All budgets are in U.S. dollars and calculated @ USD 1 = INR 68

· All pages are numbered

· All materials are submitted in .pdf format

· Applicant has read the Standard Terms and Conditions applicable to all Grants and Cooperative agreements. Included in the package here.

· Forms SF-424, SF-424A and SF-424B are completed and submitted with the application. These forms are included in the package.

· Applicants submitting proposals over $100,000 must also submit Standard Form LLL (SF-LLL), Disclosure of Lobbying Activities. This form is available at: http://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/SFLLL-V1.1.pdf

We recommend that you submit your project proposal using “Recommended Application format” template (Attachment A) and detailed budget using “Recommended Budget Spreadsheet” template (Attachment B). Feel free to submit additional information as you think necessary.

· Budget Narrative: The budget narrative supplements the information provided in the budget spreadsheet and justifies how the budget cost elements are necessary to implement project objectives and accomplish the project goals. Together, the budget narrative and spreadsheets should provide a complete financial and qualitative description that supports the proposed project plan and should be directly relatable to the specific project components described in the applicant’s proposal.

· Letters of Intent: If local partnerships are included as part of the proposal, applicants must include a letter of intent between all partners as part of their application. The letters must identify the type of relationship to be entered into (formal or informal), the roles and responsibilities of each partner in relation to the proposed project activities, and the expected result of the partnership. The individual letters cannot exceed 1 page in length.

· Proof of Non-profit Status: Documentation to demonstrate the applicant’s non-profit status (e.g. U.S.-based organizations should submit a copy of their IRS determination letter; Indian organizations should provide a copy of their NGO status).

The U.S. Embassy reserves the right to request additional programmatic and financial information regarding the proposal.

Questions: For questions on this solicitation please contact Grants Applications Manager, Public Affairs Section, U.S. Embassy, New Delhi, India, at: ND_GrantApplications@state.gov.

All application materials must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov. If you are unable to submit your proposal on grants.gov, you may submit via email at ND_GrantApplicatons@State.Gov before the deadline. The subject line should be as follows -- Applicant Organization name – ND-NOFO-20-104: Think Tank Engagement on Indo-Pacific Issues.

For questions relating to grants.gov, please contact them at 1-800-518-4726 or support@grants.gov.

Section VI. Review and Selection Process

1. Criteria. Each application submitted under this announcement will be evaluated and rated on the basis of the criteria enumerated in Section VII below. The criteria are designed to assess the quality of the proposed project, and to determine the likelihood of its success.

2. Acknowledgement of receipt. Applicants will receive acknowledgment of receipt of their proposal.

3. Review. A technical review panel will review the proposal and based upon the criteria noted in Section VII. A determination will be made regarding the program’s proposed area of activity and the Mission’s strategic goals, and those proposals that are the best fit will be given additional consideration.

4. Follow up notification. Applicants will generally be notified within 90 days after the NOFO deadline regarding the results of the review panel.

Section VII. Application Evaluation Criteria

1. Completeness of Proposal: The proposal meets all of the outstanding technical and logistical criteria required in this grant/cooperative agreement, addressing the objectives as noted in Section II above. (10 points)

2. Innovation: The applicant clearly describes how its proposal will address the requested program within the proposed time frame and articulates an innovative strategy or plan. The proposal should include examples of specific training activities during the workshops, methods that will be used to devise performances and engage crowds, as well as creative tools that will be used during the implementation phase. For example, if performative storytelling is a desired method, the grantee should list training procedures and plans for final performances. (30 points)

3. Institutional and organizational capacity: The organization and any partners demonstrate subject matter expertise in the form and content of the proposal, and in organizing and managing similar arts/sports-based events, with the final goal of empowering youth leaders. The awardee’s expertise, knowledge and understanding of successful programs in the South Asian region, networks in the U.S., as well as ability to effectively use arts and public performances to empower and raise awareness would be ideal. In addition, experience developing content that addresses multiculturalism, equality, and tolerance, as well as, social media expertise developing public service announcements and campaigns, would be an important consideration in the selection of the final award. (25 points)

4. Budget and narrative justification: The budget and narrative justification are complete and reasonable in relation to the proposed activities and anticipated results. The cost estimates are realistic. (15 points)

5. Monitoring and evaluation: The proposal outlines in detail how the proposal’s activities will advance the program’s goals and objectives (listed above). A strong proposal will include:

i. A schedule of when grant activities will occur (such as a Gant chart) that includes overview planning, participant selection, and when the applicant will check the project’s progress to know how it is performing. Results of those checks are expected to be reported quarterly.

ii. Expected project outputs, including definitions and targets. Examples of outputs include: number of meetings or conferences held; number of workshops implemented; number of outreach activities conducted, number of women trained in social entrepreneurship.

iii. Expected project outcomes, including definitions and targets. Examples of outcomes include: number of new partnerships created at conferences, number of new network members who join as a result of project outreach, number of new women’s social entrepreneurships successfully created after initial training, objective pre/post test results.

iv. A final report to include the grantee’s reflection of how their project, as a whole, contributed to the program’s goals. As applicable, a strong final report would be supported by success stories, behaviors changed, lessons learned, and results obtained, as well as the detailed feedback of project participants, including American and Indian trainers and other experts. (10 points)

6. Sustainability: The project demonstrates sustainable capacity and relationship building between the Indian and American organizations, as appropriate. The proposal describes how activities will be carried on after the program ends and may include (but not be limited to) continued involvement of stakeholders; future commitment of funding; on-going training; planned meetings of program participants. (10 points)

Section VIII. Award Administration

1. Award notices: The grant or cooperative agreement award shall be written, signed, awarded, and administered by the Grants Officer, who is the U.S. government official delegated the authority by the U.S. Department of State Procurement Executive to write, award, and administer grants and cooperative agreements. The assistance award agreement is the authorizing document and will be provided to the recipient. The awardee will interact with a designated Grants Officer Representative (GOR).

2. Reporting requirements: All awards issued under this announcement require both program and financial reports on a frequency specified in the award agreement. The disbursement of funds will be tied to the timely submission of these reports. All details related to award administration will be specified in the award agreement. The point of contact for questions or issues related to the administration of the grant/cooperative agreement will be specified in the award agreement.

Attachment A

SUGGESTED APPLICATION FORMAT

1. GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 Applicant Name

a. Legal Name (as in Bank Account):

b. Address:

h. Other Info. (if any):

1.2 Point of Contact

2. BACKGROUND OF ORGANIZATION

2.1 Description

2.2 Key Personnel

2.3 Project Partner(s)

2.4 Past Grants (U.S. Embassy, Department of State, Other)

2.5 Strengths and Capacity of Organization

3. PROJECT DESCRIPTION

3.1 Project Information

a. Project Name:

3.2 Executive Summary

3.3 Project Justification

3.4 Project Goal, Audience, and Objectives

3.5 Project Innovation

3.6 Project Activities

3.7 Project Accomplishments (Milestones)

3.8 Monitoring and Evaluation Plan

3.9 Sustainability

4. BUDGET

4.1 (See Attachment B: Suggested Grant Proposal Budget Worksheet to submit your Detailed Budget submission)

· Total Funding applied for: $____________________ (must match with Attachment B)

· Total Recipient share (if any)$ __________________ (must match with Attachment B)

4.2 Budget Narratives and other Remarks (if any)

Instructions

Key Personnel: Name of the organization, address, phone/fax number/e-mail address, name and title of director (or person who is to sign the grant/cooperative agreement) and other significant staff members, particularly those who will be involved in the project and budget specifics. Provide an executive summary of the project description (no more than one page) with reference to the amount and duration of the funding request.

Description of Organization: Applicants must submit a full description of the organization and its expertise to organize and manage all aspects of this particular project. This applies to all proposed project partner as well.

Justification: This is a very important aspect of the proposal and applicants should pay particular attention to it. Define what the project will accomplish, and how will it benefit stakeholders. Please do not exceed one page.

Activities: Outline a plan of action that describes the scope and detail of how the proposed work will be accomplished. Provide an overview of the full sequence of proposed project activities, including beginning and end dates and locations of events. Account for all functions or activities identified in the application.

Accomplishments, Monitoring and Evaluation, and Sustainability: Provide quantitative monthly or quarterly projections of the accomplishments to be achieved for each function or activity. When accomplishments cannot be quantified by activity or function, list them in chronological order to show the schedule of accomplishments and their target dates. Describe how you plan to monitor progress, and determine overall success and impact of the program. Note how you expect the impact of the project will be sustained over time, and by whom.

Budget: Please refer to Attachment B “Suggested Grant Proposal Budget Worksheet.” Provide a detailed budget of every cost associated with the project. The more information and detail that you provide about the proposed budget, with a budget narrative, the better we can determine the viability and completeness of your proposal. For the budget line item “indirect costs” or “administrative overhead,” any figure you provide without a specific breakout will be returned for additional information or rejected. If your organization has an approved “Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement” or NICRA, please note that on your application and provide supporting documentation. Please also include the types and amounts of funding your organization has already received for the current project. Budgets must be calculated in U.S. dollars. Please note that the Fly America Act requires that anyone whose air travel is financed by U.S. Government funds to utilize the economy class services of a U.S. flag carrier.