Questions and Answers for NOFO DFOP0018502 (1).docx

Questions and Answers for NOFO DFOP0018502

1. The CT Program Outcome(s) section all refer to either (a) adoption of U.S. techniques/standards or (b) protection of U.S. citizens and interests. Is the intention for COOP programs to support U.S. persons/entities, or to apply U.S. standards to foreign persons/entities?

a. This program will support foreign persons and entities in alignment with U.S. counterterrorism policy and objectives.

2. Please could you confirm if there are any priority countries within the priority region?

a. The applicant should identify and justify beneficiary countries based on the proposed approach and understanding of the problem set. Areas of interest include the Indo-Pacific and Western Hemisphere; however, proposals are not limited to those regions, as stated in the NOFO.

3. Are bids expected to target more than one country or region? If they only target one country/region, are bids eligible to apply for the full award amount?

a. The NOFO does not require applicants to target more than one country or region. Applicants should propose and justify the geographic scope most appropriate to their approach and the problem set. Similarly, applicants are not required to request the full award amount; however, proposed budgets should be commensurate with the scope of activities and anticipated results.

4. Are there priority FTOs (jihadist networks, drug cartels or individual extremists) that the bid should target in the priority regions or elsewhere?

a. The NOFO does not identify specific priority FTOs. Applicants should identify and justify priority FTOs based on regional context and their understanding of the problem set.

5. While specific entities / agencies will depend on the country, are there any priority law enforcement units that should be targeted for capacity building in identification, investigation or prosecution efforts?

a. Based on the NOFO, CT does not identify specific law enforcement units or agencies that must be targeted. Instead, applicants are expected to propose and justify the most appropriate counterparts based on the online recruitment threat environment and institutional context in the selected countries.

6. Can equipment be provided as part of the program if it supports capacity building efforts? If so, is there a limit to the budget amount that can be apportioned to equipment?

a. Yes, equipment may be included if it is necessary to achieve the program objectives and is clearly tied to proposed activities. The NOFO does not establish a specific cap on equipment costs; however, all costs must be reasonable, necessary, and well justified in relation to the proposed activities and anticipated results.

7. Can bidders include private sector partners (e.g. coordination with social media companies)?

a. Yes, the NOFO encourages engagement with industry. Applicants may include private sector partners, such as social media and technology companies. Your proposal should clearly detail how their support aligns with the program’s objectives and outcomes.

8. Beyond the DOS State Agency Strategic Plan and National Security Strategy objectives, are there any specific program-level objectives required to support achievement of CT Program Outcomes?

a. Beyond alignment with the NOFO’s listed National Security Strategy and Department of State Agency Strategic Plan goals and objectives, proposals should demonstrate how their proposed activities contribute to the CT Program Outcomes identified in the NOFO.

9. Are bidders expected to submit official permission letters from host governments as part of the proposal?

a. Official permission letters are only required if they are necessary for the proposed program activities. As stated in the NOFO, applicants should include official permission letters, if required, for program implementation.

10. Please could you confirm if tables, graphs, graphics, workplan, etc. can have font size 10 instead to be included in the proposal narrative?

a. The NOFO specifies that proposal documents must be single-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font. However, applicants may use a smaller font size in tables, graphs, graphics, workplans, and similar visual elements, provided the content remains clear and legible.

11. Please could you confirm the font size for footnotes?

a. The NOFO does not specify a font size for footnotes. Applicants should ensure that footnotes are clear and legible and otherwise comply with the formatting requirements outlined in the NOFO.

12. Please could you confirm if there is a daily rate cap for consultants or SMEs? If yes, what is the cap?

a. The NOFO does not establish a daily rate cap for consultants or SMEs. Applicants should ensure that all consultant costs are well justified and commensurate with the proposed level of effort and expertise. Proposed costs will be evaluated as part of the overall budget review.