PostAddis_Notice of Funding Opportunity - Cultural Research Grant.pdf

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

BUREAU OF AFRICAN AFFAIRS/ U.S. EMBASSY ADDIS ABABA

NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

Funding Opportunity Title: Historical Research and Interview with Ethiopian Survivors of Yekatit 12

Funding Opportunity Number: PASNOFO-22-02

Deadline for Applications: April 07, 2022

Assistance Listing Number: 19.040 – Public Diplomacy Programs

Total Amount Available: $8,000

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The U.S. Embassy Addis Ababa / Bureau of African Affairs of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a program to research, locate, and contact survivors of Yekatit 12 who were sheltered at the American Legation in

Addis Ababa during the massacre. Please follow all instructions below.

Priority Region: Ethiopia

Program Objectives:

In February 1937, during the three-day long massacre of civilians known in Ethiopia as Yekatit 12, the American Ambassador to Ethiopia, Cornelius Van Engert, opened the doors of the American

Legation in the Mercato district of Addis Ababa and offered refuge to several hundred Ethiopian families and individuals fleeing the massacres. As a result, at least 588 people, including 152 children, were sheltered inside the compound’s walls during the massacre and saved from almost certain death. The American Embassy to Ethiopia has a list of names of the male heads of households of the families who were harbored in the American legation during Yekatit 12, and wishes to locate and contact survivors of the massacre still alive, and their children.

Objectives and Goals:

1. Locate as many survivors and their children as possible, with an emphasis on finding those who are still able to recall and willing to talk about their experiences during Yekatit 12.

2. Communicate in person and directly with as many survivors and their children as possible and obtain from each their agreement to share their stories with the U.S. Embassy who will broadcast this to the Ethiopian public.

Budget and Scope of Work:

1. Undertake a research project to identify and locate the remaining survivors and their adult children (with less priority to find the grandchildren) especially those living in Addis Ababa, or within 200 km of the capital, but also any surviving children now residing in the United

States.

2. Contact them to verify their identity, and to determine if they are able to accurately recollect and describe the events of Yekatit 12.

3. Conduct interviews with the survivors or their children on their accounts of Yekatit 12 and their stories while sheltered in the compound

4. Document their stories and prepare a presentation for the public audience upon request of the

Embassy.

5. Applicants should budget for research time; costs for subscriptions or fees as required to gain access to civil records databases in Ethiopia, and if necessary, in the United States; mobile talk/data cost to reach survivors and their children; possible short travel to 3 – 4 cities or towns in Ethiopia outside of Addis, to attempt to locate and speak with survivors.

Participants and Audiences:

The Embassy plans to create a multimedia story based upon the recollections and stories from the survivors about the time they were harbored in the American legation, to include at least, but not limited to, possible radio broadcast, video-photo exhibition, voice recordings, and possible exhibition of mementoes and personal belongings from their time in the Legation.

The audience is the broader Ethiopian public.

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Length of performance period: 1 to 2 months

Number of awards anticipated: 1 award

Award amounts: Awards may range from a minimum of $1,000 to a maximum of $8,000

Total available funding: $8,000

Type of Funding: FY22 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds

Anticipated program start date: 60 days from NOFO publication

This notice is subject to availability of funding.

Funding Instrument Type: Grant

Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 60 days or less.

C. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

1. Eligible Applicants

Both U.S. and foreign organizations and individuals are welcome to apply, on the condition that they must already have personnel already in Ethiopia able to carry out all the work of the grant. The grant funds will not pay for travel from any outside location into Ethiopia in order to complete any part of the work. It is expected that the applicant possesses all the necessary native language expertise

(especially but not limited to Amharic) in order to carry out the work; and to have all necessary work/visa permissions as required to work in Ethiopia.

● 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

Cost sharing is not required for this grant

3. Other Eligibility Requirements

In order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a unique entity identifier (Data

Universal Numbering System/DUNS number from Dun & Bradstreet), as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov. Please see Section D.3 for information on how to obtain these registrations.

Individuals are not required to have a unique entity identifier or be registered in SAM.gov.

Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization. If more than one proposal is submitted from an organization, all proposals from that institution will be considered ineligible for funding.

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/sf-424-family.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.

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

● All pages are numbered https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html

● All documents are formatted to 8 ½ x 11 paper, and

● All Microsoft Word documents are single-spaced, 12 point Times New Roman font, with a minimum of 1-inch margins.

The following documents are required:

1. Mandatory application forms

● SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance – organizations) at https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/SF424_4_0-V4.0.pdf or

● SF-424-I (Application for Federal Assistance --individuals) at https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/SF424_Individual_2_0-V2.0.pdf

● SF-424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs) at https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/schemas/SF424A-V1.0.xsd

● SF-424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs) at https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/SF424B-V1.1.pdf

(note: the SF-424B is only required for individuals and for organizations not registered in

SAM.gov)

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 (5 pages maximum): 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 U.S. Embassy and/or 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.

https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/SF424_4_0-V4.0.pdf https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/SF424_Individual_2_0-V2.0.pdf https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/schemas/SF424A-V1.0.xsd https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/SF424B-V1.1.pdf

● 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

● 1-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

● Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov). This requires a free online registration at www.SAM.gov if you/your organization have not previously received a grant from the U.S. government.

3. (NOTE: This section is required and not optional, except for applications from individuals instead of organizations)

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 https://sam.gov/ https://sam.gov/ 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%20NCAGE.p df

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 45 days from publication of NOFO

5. Funding Restrictions: The Embassy does not intend to pay any of the survivors or their children any monetary or in-kind awards for sharing their experiences, nor do we approve of the grantee offering any such rewards. The Embassy expects the grantee to persuade the interview subjects to share their stories free, in the spirit of making this valuable piece of history known to the world at large, and especially the role played by the U.S. Legation and

Ambassador Van Engert.

6. Other Submission Requirements

All application materials must be submitted through email to PASAddisGrants@state.gov

E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

1. Criteria

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

Quality and Feasibility of the Program Idea – 50 points: The program idea is well developed, with detail about how program activities will be carried out. The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline.

Organizational or Individual’s Capacity and Record on Previous Grants – 10 points: The organization has expertise in its stated field and has the internal controls in place to manage federal funds. This includes a financial management system and a bank account.

https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/scage/CageList.aspx https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/Docs/US%20Instructions%20for%20NSPA%20NCAGE.pdf https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/Docs/US%20Instructions%20for%20NSPA%20NCAGE.pdf https://www.sam.gov/ mailto:PASAddisGrants@state.gov

Program Planning/Ability to Achieve Objectives – 20 points: Goals and objectives are clearly stated and program approach is likely to provide maximum impact in achieving the proposed results.

Budget – 10 points: The budget justification is detailed. Costs are reasonable in relation to the proposed activities and anticipated results. The budget is realistic, accounting for all necessary expenses to achieve proposed activities.

Monitoring and evaluation plan – 10 points: Applicant demonstrates it is able to measure program success against key indicators and provides milestones to indicate progress toward goals outlined in the proposal. The program includes output and outcome indicators, and shows how and when those will be measured.

2. Review and Selection Process

A review committee will evaluate all eligible applications.

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

For any Federal award under a notice of funding opportunity, if the Federal awarding agency anticipates that the total Federal share will be greater than the simplified acquisition threshold on any

Federal award under a notice of funding opportunity may include, over the period of performance

(see §200.88 Simplified Acquisition Threshold), this section must also inform applicants:

i. That the Federal awarding agency, prior to making a Federal award with a total amount of Federal share greater than the simplified acquisition threshold, 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);

ii. That 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

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

iii. That the 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 under Federal awards when completing the review of risk posed by applicants as described in §200.206 Federal awarding agency review of risk posed by applicants.

F. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

○ 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 Department of State 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 Department of State.

Issuance of this NOFO 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 proposals. Further, the U.S. government reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received.

Payment Method:

Payment will be effected on installment basis. First installment of 50% will be processed upon submission of the interim report; a second payment of 30% will be processed upon submission of the final product; and the final 20% will be processed upon receipt of the final report from the grantee.

The Recipient must request payment under this award by completing form SF-270—Request for

Advance or Reimbursement and submitting the form to the Grants Officer.

○ Administrative and National Policy Requirements

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 25 - UNIVERSAL IDENTIFIER AND SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT

● 2 CFR 170 - REPORTING SUBAWARD AND EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION INFORMATION

● 2 CFR 175 - AWARD TERM FOR TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS

● 2 CFR 182 - GOVERNMENTWIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE (FINANCIAL

ASSISTANCE)

● 2 CFR 183 - NEVER CONTRACT WITH THE ENEMY

● 2 CFR 600 – DEPARTMENT OF STATE REQUIREMENTS

● U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS

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In accordance with the Office of Management and Budget’s guidance located at 2 CFR part 200, all applicable Federal laws, and relevant Executive guidance, the Department of State will review and consider applications for funding, as applicable to specific programs, pursuant to this notice of funding opportunity in accordance with the following: NOTE:

● Guidance for Grants and Agreements in Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations (2 CFR), as updated in the Federal Register’s 85 FR 49506 on August 13, 2020, particularly on:

o Selecting recipients most likely to be successful in delivering results based on the program objectives through an objective process of evaluating Federal award applications (2 CFR part 200.205), o Prohibiting the purchase of certain telecommunication and video surveillance services or equipment in alignment with section 889 of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2019 (Pub. L. No. 115—232) (2 CFR part 200.216), o Promoting the freedom of speech and religious liberty in alignment with Promoting

Free Speech and Religious Liberty (E.O. 13798) and Improving Free Inquiry, Transparency, and Accountability at Colleges and Universities (E.O. 13864) (§§

200.300, 200.303, 200.339, and 200.341), o Providing a preference, to the extent permitted by law, to maximize use of goods, products, and materials produced in the United States (2 CFR part 200.322), and o Terminating agreements in whole or in part to the greatest extent authorized by law, if an award no longer effectuates the program goals or agency priorities (2 CFR part

200.340).

○ 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.

Grantee is required to submit two reports:

1. One interim report, halfway through the project, detailing work completed and work remaining before all objectives are met. Interim report must flag any obstacles that may require adjustment of objectives.

2. One final report upon achievement of all objectives. Final payment will not be given to grantee until after final report is received by the Public Affairs Section.

Applicants should be aware of the post award reporting requirements reflected in 2 CFR 200

Appendix XII—Award Term and Condition for Recipient Integrity and Performance Matters.

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Foreign Assistance Data Review: As required by Congress, the Department of State must make progress in its efforts to improve tracking and reporting of foreign assistance data through the

Foreign Assistance Data Review (FADR). The FADR requires tracking of foreign assistance activity data from budgeting, planning, and allocation through obligation and disbursement.

Successful applicants will be required to report and draw down federal funding based on the appropriate FADR Data Elements, indicated within their award documentation. In cases of more than one FADR Data Element, typically program or sector and/or regions or country, the successful applicant will be required to maintain separate accounting records.

G. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS

If you have any questions about the grant application process, please contact: PASAddisGrants@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 mailto:PASAddisGrants@state.gov

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.