Questions and Answers_Link to Informational Session.pdf

Questions and Answers

CARSI NOFO: Strengthening Governance Transparency and Accountability in Panamá

Funding Opportunity Number: S-M070-21-GR-501

Application Period Opens: April 20, 2021

Deadline for Applications: June 18, 2021

Deadline for Questions: May 20, 2021

Total Amount Available: $750,000

Award Floor: $100,000

Award Ceiling: $750,000

Anticipated Start Date for Projects: September 30, 2021

Link for Informational Session (in Spanish):

https://statedept.zoomgov.com/rec/share/lmHtMFt0cREEWwkfGNQC2ukl2_ebFM_hsIoW6ZGa

MnZxnH4WSMSFuauQzrpexXkb.b3juHj6GySgbmio3

Questions and Answers

1. When registering a non-profit organization in SAM.gov, should we use the individual option or the system option?

To register in SAM.gov, you must first create an individual account and the fill out the “Register

New Entity” section. For more details about this process, review the SAM.gov: Guides for New

Applicants, SAM.gov User Guide and the SAM.gov Steps and Instructions in the

Guidelines/Supporting Documents sections.

2. Referring to the project timeline that can be provide as an attachment to the proposal, should it include long term effects/activities foreseen to happen after the end of the project – specifically as it relates to sustainability and multiplier effect?

The project timeline can be limited to the activities that will take place during the project’s period of implementation. However, we encourage applicants to address sustainability and multiplier effect in the project description section of the proposal.

3. The presentation [given in the informational session] outlined four thematic areas. I remember having seen a description of sub-themes below each area. Are those sub-themes still applicable?

The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) outlines the four objectives this opportunity is focused and provides a brief description below each objective. In this presentation we’ve summarized the general parameters of the NOFO, but all the details included in the document are still applicable and current.

https://statedept.zoomgov.com/rec/share/lmHtMFt0cREEWwkfGNQC2ukl2_ebFM_hsIoW6ZGaMnZxnH4WSMSFuauQzrpexXkb.b3juHj6GySgbmio3 https://statedept.zoomgov.com/rec/share/lmHtMFt0cREEWwkfGNQC2ukl2_ebFM_hsIoW6ZGaMnZxnH4WSMSFuauQzrpexXkb.b3juHj6GySgbmio3

4. Can a civil service or non-government organization focus on any of the funding opportunity objectives?

A civil service or non-governmental organization can submit an application focused on any of the objectives outlined in the NOFO.

5. In which cases is it essential for a project proposal, submitted by a civil service / non-government organization, to have a partnership with government institution?

There aren’t any parameters established in the NOFO that define when a project requires a partnership or collaboration with a government institution. The need to have a partnership / collaboration with a government institution will depend entirely on the nature of the project.

In general, we encourage applicants to establish partnerships with any institution necessary to carry out the proposed project successfully.

6. What does “Anticipated Start Date for Projects” mean?

We anticipate that the projects funding through this NOFO will be starting on September 30, 2021. CARSI awards funds for projects with defined periods of implementation. Every proposal must define the number of months it will requires to implement the project, but all of the projects will be starting around September 30, 2021.

7. When can project activities start? Will expenses incurred before the official start of the project be reimbursed?

CARSI grants can be used during a defined period of implementation. This period starts around

September 30, 2021 and goes forth from there. Grantees and project implementers must not start project activities or incur in expenses before the project’s official start date. Expenses incurred before the official start of the period of implementation will not be reimbursed.

8. ¿Will the organization need to finance the initial phase of the project?

Grant payments can be processed after the period of implementation has begun and the mechanism for transfers have been established. Grantees can request an advance to start project activities, or they can start the project and then request a reimbursement. Approval for advances is at the discretion of the Grant Officer. Usually, payments associated to CARSI grants are done in installments, throughout the life of the grant, as reimbursements.

9. What do you mean when you recommend applicants only use “the first address line” in the

NCAGE/CAGE registration?

The NCAGE/CAGE electronic registration form has two lines to fill out the address of the organization. We recommend international organizations only use the first line to ensure the

NCAGE address will match the address in DUNS and Sam.gov.

10. Is it necessary to have an MOU with a Panama government entity to apply for this grant?

No. An MOU with a Panama government entity is not necessary to apply for a CARSI grant.

11. ¿Can a non-profit organization apply for this funding opportunity?

Yes.

12. Do you accept unsolicited proposals?

Yes.

13. Can you apply to the grant, even if you haven’t finished your registration in DUNS, NCAGE/CAGE or SAM.gov?

Yes, you can still apply to the funding opportunity even if your registrations are still in process.

However, selected applicants will need a finalized active registration in SAM.gov in order to receive a grant award.

14. What format must be used in the proposal?

The NOFO includes the technical format requirements and explains which documents and sections must be included in the proposal submission. Applicants can decide how to format their proposals, as long as they meet the technical formatting and content parameters established by the NOFO.

The template that we provide in the Supporting Documents is a guide that applicants can use to develop their proposal. It incorporates most of the requirements set out in the NOFO along with several other areas that are considered in the evaluation of applications. However, the use of the template, as a whole or in part, is completely optional.

15. Can CARSI funds be used to facilitate improved effectiveness in the sanctioning of cases leveraging coordination between law enforcement institutions?

Yes. The funding awarded under this NOFO could be used to facilitate improved effectiveness in the sanctioning of cases leveraging coordination between law enforcement institutions.

16. Can CARSI funds be used for capacity building directed at judges, judiciary advisors, prosecutors, to enable effective processing and sanctioning?

Yes. The funding awarded under this NOFO could be used for capacity building directed at judges, judiciary advisors and prosecutors, to enable effective processing and sanctioning.

17. Can CARSI funds be used to train law enforcement officers?

No. CARSI funds cannot be used to train law enforcement officers.