SCAKAB-24-GR-001-SCA-04222024 Business Expansion Initiative for Women's Employment.pdf

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

U.S. Mission Afghanistan (Doha)

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

Funding Opportunity Title: Business Expansion Initiative for Women's Employment Funding Opportunity Number: SCAKAB-24-GR-001-SCA-04222024 Deadline for Applications: June 21, 2024 [11:59p.m., U.S. Eastern time] Deadline for Questions: May 22, 2024 (11:59p.m., U.S. Eastern time) Assistance Listing Number: 19.501 Public Diplomacy Programs for Afghanistan and Pakistan Total Amount Available: $750,000.00 Program Office: Public Diplomacy Section, U.S. Mission Afghanistan (Doha)

CONTACT INFORMATION

• For questions relating to Grants.gov, please call the Grants.gov Contact Center at 1-800- 518-4726.

• To inquire about the process for obtaining a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) contact AQM-NICRA@state.gov.

• For assistance with the requirements of this solicitation, contact KabulPDSProposals@state.gov.

In order to be eligible to receive an award under this NOFO, organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number issued via www.SAM.gov as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov. Please begin the registration processes immediately to ensure the registrations are completed well in advance of the submission deadline. The process can require several weeks for the registrations to be validated and confirmed. See Section D:

Submission Requirements for further details.

Due to the volume of applicants and inquiries, the Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) does not accept letters of intent, concept papers, or requests for meetings or phone calls prior to application.

All application materials must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov. Application materials submitted via other means such as email will not be accepted.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application package is received in its entirety. Incomplete applications will be considered ineligible. Applicants are urged to begin the application process well before the submission deadline. No exceptions will be made for organizations that have not completed the necessary steps.

mailto:AQM-NICRA@state.gov mailto:KabulPDSProposals@state.gov http://www.sam.gov/

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Executive Summary

The Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Mission Afghanistan is pleased to announce an open competition for eligible organizations to submit applications to carry out a program to support the Business Expansion Initiative for Women's Employment. This initiative seeks to address the persistent gender gap in the Afghan workforce by empowering businesses to hire more women in sectors where they are permitted to work through strategic business expansion initiatives. The project aims to equip businesses with the necessary tools and support to embrace gender-inclusive practices, thereby creating more job opportunities for women and fostering economic growth.

This initiative aims to support women in Afghanistan who face significant challenges and barriers to economic progress, including limited access to employment opportunities, capital, financial services, and education. It seeks to achieve the following objectives:

• Empowerment through Business Expansion: Supporting women to start and expand their own businesses, join other women-led enterprises, or acquire the skills necessary to participate in women-led enterprises.

• Gender-Inclusive Practices: Promoting gender-inclusive policies and practices within businesses to improve access to employment opportunities and financial resources for women.

• Economic Growth: Contributing to economic growth by maintaining the visibility of women in the workforce and economy and recognizing women's contributions to economic development.

PDS seeks proposals for this initiative addressing one or more of the following areas to help women’s employment in Afghanistan:

• Training Programs for Businesses: Developing and implementing targeted training programs for businesses that commit to gender inclusive employment practices, focusing on areas such as inclusive leadership, diversity and inclusion practices, and gender-sensitive management.

• Mentorship, Apprenticeship, and Resource Support: Establishing structured mentorship and apprenticeship programs, providing business skills training, business expansion planning support, and offering resources such as toolkits and case studies.

• Acceleration and Expansion Planning Assistance: Offering tailored support to businesses in developing strategic expansion plans, including market analysis, financial modeling, business process analysis, human resources planning, and labor force development planning.

• Access to Capital: Facilitating access to capital for businesses that commit to gender inclusive employment practices, to include liaising with potential investors, entrepreneurs, collaborators, and industry partners, and providing networking opportunities with these resources for target businesses.

• Access to Markets: Facilitating relationships for businesses to access new domestic and international markets as they scale and grow.

• Awareness and Advocacy: Providing resources and training to business leaders that support them to start or continue efforts to advocate within their communities for gender-inclusive business practices.

• Community Engagement: Actively engaging with local communities to ensure that the benefits of business expansion are inclusive and contribute meaningfully to women’s labor force participation and community development.

PDS intends to issue an award for a period of performance between 12 and 18 months.

Background

Afghanistan stands at a critical juncture, particularly concerning women's rights and participation in economic activities. Over the years, the Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) has been actively engaged in initiatives aimed at empowering women economically and socially. Previous projects have underscored the importance of fostering an environment conducive to women's economic independence, entrepreneurship, and employment in a country where gender disparities persist, intensified by recent challenges. The Afghan economy is losing approximately $1 billion per year by leaving half of its population behind, according to the UN. The long-term ramifications for Afghanistan will only multiply exponentially with each generation that is kept out of the work force.

Despite progress in gender equality efforts, Afghan women still face significant challenges and barriers to economic participation, including limited access to employment opportunities, capital, financial services, and education. This NOFO aims to tackle these issues head-on by providing support to businesses and entrepreneurs to create more inclusive and diverse workplaces, ultimately leading to increased employment opportunities for women and fostering economic growth in Afghanistan.

Building on these previous efforts, this project should leverage best practices and lessons learned to design and implement effective strategies for supporting women's economic empowerment through business acceleration and expansion. Successful activities from past projects indicate that targeted training programs, structured mentorship opportunities, networking events, and advocacy efforts that promoted gender-inclusive practices creates pathways for women's participation in the workforce and economy.

Program Goal:

The goal of this NOFO is to empower women in Afghanistan by supporting their participation in the workforce and economy through strategic business acceleration and expansion initiatives.

Success will be measured by the project's ability to:

• Increase the number of businesses with gender-inclusive policies and practices.

• Promote business environments at the community level in which the contributions and value of women in the workforce and in business leadership positions is understood and promoted by community leaders.

• Create employment opportunities for women through expansion of business that commit to gender inclusive employment practices.

• Foster economic growth and development by recognizing and leveraging women's contributions.

• Build on past projects' best practices and lessons learned to design and implement effective interventions.

• Promote ecosystems for business expansion and development at the community level that strengthen partnerships and collaboration with local stakeholders.

• Promote strong investment and marketing relationships to ensure sustainability and long-term impact.

Program Objectives:

The project objectives may include:

• Develop and implement tailored training programs for businesses that commit to gender inclusive practices, focusing on inclusive leadership, diversity, and gender-sensitive management practices, addressing specific industry needs.

• Establish structured mentorship and acceleration programs, prioritizing women, to provide guidance on expansion strategies, entrepreneurship training, materials sourcing, pitch practice and access to capital, access to markets, and job placement opportunities, supported by resources such as toolkits and case studies.

• Facilitate networking opportunities for businesses, with a special focus on empowering women entrepreneurs and business leaders, to connect with investors, collaborators, and industry partners, fostering growth, sustainability, and gender diversity in the business ecosystem. Forge partnerships with relevant organizations and institutions that facilitate access to capital and markets, or are otherwise committed to enhancing project effectiveness, institutional quality, and the promotion of women's leadership and participation in the economy.

• Provide tailored support to businesses in developing strategic expansion plans, including market analysis and risk assessment, while offering expert assistance in navigating regulatory, logistical, financial, and community engagement challenges associated with expansion.

• Implement a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to assess project progress and impact, collecting data on businesses trained, expansion outcomes, and employment opportunities for women.

• Promote capacity for business leaders to advocate within their communities for gender-inclusive business practices and business environments that supporting gender equality in employment.

• Actively engage with local communities to ensure inclusive benefits of business expansion, encouraging participation in community outreach programs, labor force development training programs, and reinforcing social responsibility and sustainable growth commitments.

Participants and Audiences:

This project is aimed at supporting and benefiting a diverse group of individuals and organizations in Afghanistan, primarily women and women-led enterprises, that are committed to gender inclusive employment practices. The key audiences and beneficiaries include:

• Women Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders: Individuals seeking mentorship and acceleration programs to grow their businesses.

• Industry Experts: Professionals who can provide entrepreneurship training, materials sourcing, and pitch practice tailored to the unique circumstances facing Afghan women.

• Business Owners and Entrepreneurs seeking to employ more women: businesses committed to gender inclusivity, organizations that are willing to develop and implement gender-inclusive practices, and who are actively seeking to employ more women.

• Community leaders who promote gender-inclusive practices within their business communities.

• Women Job Seekers and Professionals

• Investors and Funding Organizations: female-focused financial advisors and investors, those who can offer guidance on access to capital and markets tailored to the unique circumstances facing Afghan women.

• Buyers and Vendors Inside and Outside Afghanistan who support Afghan women-owned businesses.

Project Details

The project proposals for the Business Expansion Initiative for Women's Employment should include the following components:

• Clear Objectives: Clearly outline the project's objectives, focusing on empowering women through business expansion initiatives. Describe how these objectives will be achieved, including specific strategies for supporting women in starting or expanding their businesses, joining women-led enterprises, or acquiring the necessary skills for entrepreneurship.

• Target Audience and Beneficiaries: Identify the primary audience and beneficiaries of the project, which include women entrepreneurs, business owners, job seekers, and professionals. Describe the recruitment process to ensure a diverse group of beneficiaries from both rural and urban areas are reached and engaged in the project.

• Strategies and Activities: Describe the strategies and activities that will be implemented to achieve the project's objectives. This may include developing and implementing targeted training programs, establishing mentorship and apprenticeship programs, facilitating networking opportunities, providing expansion planning assistance, conducting awareness campaigns, and engaging with local communities.

• Resource Allocation: Outline the resources needed to implement the project, including personnel, equipment, and materials. Specify how these resources will be allocated to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in achieving project goals.

• Monitoring and Evaluation: Include a plan for monitoring and evaluating the project's progress and impact. This should involve regular reporting on key performance indicators, feedback from beneficiaries and stakeholders, and adjustments to activities as needed to demonstrate measurable success.

• Sustainability Plan: Provide a sustainability plan to ensure the project's impact is long-lasting. This may involve building partnerships with local organizations, empowering women to become leaders in their communities, promoting changes at the community level that support women's rights and gender equality, and leveraging existing resources and infrastructure.

Approaches for achieving these objectives may include, but need not be limited to, any combination of the following activities:

- Develop and Implement Tailored Training Programs:

o Customize Curriculums: Design training programs that are specifically tailored to equip women with the skills needed in emerging markets and sectors.

o Skill Development: Focus on both hard skills, such as technology and business management, and soft skills, like leadership and communication, to prepare women for a variety of roles.

o Accessibility and Inclusivity: Ensure programs are accessible to women from diverse backgrounds, including those with caregiving responsibilities, by promoting flexible scheduling and online options where practical.

- Establish Mentorship and Apprenticeship Programs:

o Mentorship Pairing: Connect women with experienced business leaders and entrepreneurs in their field of interest (preferably Afghan women with required skill-set and experience in the country as well as abroad to have skills and understanding of the context) to offer guidance, support, and inspiration.

o Apprenticeship Opportunities: Provide hands-on learning experiences with businesses that are keen to support women’s career advancement and employment.

o Feedback Loops: Create mechanisms for participants to share their experiences and suggest improvements to the program, ensuring it remains relevant and effective.

- Facilitate Networking Opportunities:

o Connect businesses with investors, collaborators, buyers, vendors, and other industry partners.

o Foster growth and sustainability through networking events.

o Forge partnerships with relevant organizations, associations, and institutions to enhance project effectiveness.

- Provide Tailored Support for Expansion Plans:

o Inclusive Strategic Planning: Guide businesses in crafting expansion strategies with a focus on women's employment, including market analysis with a gender lens.

o Navigational Expertise: Offer concise advice on overcoming regulatory and logistical challenges, promoting gender diversity and creating women-friendly workplace policies in the expansion process.

- Implement Monitoring and Evaluation Framework:

o Establish a robust monitoring and evaluation framework, including establishing and demonstrating progress towards specific target and metrics.

o Assess project progress and impact by collecting data on businesses trained, expansion outcomes, and employment opportunities for women.

- Improve the Environment for Inclusive Employment:

o Promote gender-inclusive business practices by providing business leaders with information and skills to advocate for inclusive practices within their communities.

o Promote changes in the business environment at the local level that support gender equality in the business sector.

- Engage with Local Communities:

o Ensure inclusive benefits of business expansion by actively engaging with local communities.

o Encourage participation in community outreach and labor force development programs.

o Reinforce social responsibility and sustainable growth commitments.

The proposal should include a commitment to implement the program for the base period of 12 to 18 months. Focus on detailing specific activities and strategies for the base period, with the understanding that the program design, duration, and number of beneficiaries may remain similar if subsequent option periods are exercised.

The safety and security of all participants and activities under this project are the sole responsibility of the award recipient. Due to the changing nature of security in Afghanistan, PDS requires all applicants to include in their proposal a security plan to accompany appropriate programmatic elements within their proposal. Security packages may include, but are not limited to, secure transportation, lodging, and emergency evacuation for personnel living or working in Afghanistan. Reasonable costs for necessary security are allowable expenses and may be included in the proposed budget. Additionally, applicants should submit their organizational policy for working within high-risk environments, which should include security operational procedures.

The U.S. Mission Afghanistan cannot stress enough that the security and safety of implementing partners and program participants is paramount. All program proposals must describe any safety precautions and measures that will be undertaken to minimize risks to implementors as well as participants. It is the responsibility of the prime recipient of the award to ensure protection of personally identifiable information (PII) and safeguard PII when collecting, maintaining using and disseminating such information. The U.S. Mission Afghanistan also reserves the right to suspend or adjust program elements as necessary to ensure the protection of implementing partners and participants.

This project will be funded by Economic Support Funds, authorized by the Foreign Assistance Act, and is subject to the statutory limitations of such funding.

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Length of performance period: 12 to 18 months Number of awards anticipated: One award (Up to 3) Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $300,000 to a maximum of $750,000.00 Total available funding: $750,000.00 Type of Funding: FY23/24 Economic Support Funds under the Foreign Assistance Act Anticipated program start date: September 30, 2024

This notice is subject to availability of funding.

Funding Instrument Type: Grant.

Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 12 to 18 months.

The Department of State will entertain applications for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the initial budget period on a non-competitive basis subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the program, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the U.S. Department of State.

Support for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA): All programs should consider strategies for expanding the pool of individuals/organizations/beneficiaries to afford opportunities for as diverse and inclusive population as is feasible to bring diverse perspectives based on religion, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, sex characteristics, national origin, and age to implementation of the program.

The Public Diplomacy 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.

C. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

1. Eligible Applicants Eligibility is open to all types of applicants except for individuals. Please refer to Section D for funding restrictions. Organizations may sub-award/contract with other entities, but only one entity may be the prime recipient of the award. When sub-awarding/contracting with other entities, the responsibilities of each entity must be clearly defined in the proposal.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

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

3. Other Eligibility Requirements

• In order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number issued via www.SAM.gov as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov. Please see Section D.3 for more information. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov.

• Applications that fail to furnish all documents and information outlined in Section D of this notice or comply with the stated requirements will not be considered for an award.

• Any applicant listed on the Excluded Parties List System (EPLS) in SAM is not eligible to apply for an assistance award in accordance with the Office of Management and Budget 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.

• There is no limit on the number of applications an entity may submit for this NOFO.

• Previous federal award recipients that are not/were not in compliance with the terms of the award, including the financial and program reporting requirements, are not eligible for an award under this NOFO. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure it is in http://www.sam.gov/ compliance with all applicable terms, conditions, and Office of Management and Budget guidance and requirements.

• Applicants may be asked to submit information required by DS Form 4184 Risk Analysis Information about their organization and its principal personnel. Vetting information is also required for all sub-award and contractor performance on assistance awards identified by the Department as presenting a risk of terrorist financing. If an application is selected to move forward in the review process and when vetting information is requested by the Grants Officer, information may be submitted on the secure web portal at https://ramportal.state.gov or via email to RAM@state.gov . Questions about the form may be emailed to RAM@state.gov . Failure to submit information when requested or failure to pass Dept of State vetting may be grounds for rejecting your proposal.

• Applicants are advised that individuals proposed to participate in an award resulting from this NOFO (recipient employees, contractors, beneficiaries, etc.) are subject to vetting for involvement in corrupt practices, illicit narcotics production or trafficking, and violation of human rights. Successful vetting is a precondition to any award under this NOFO.

4. This opportunity will not support:

• Projects relating to partisan political activity;

• Charitable or development activities;

• Construction projects;

• Projects that support specific religious activities;

• Fund-raising campaigns;

• Lobbying for specific legislation or programs

• Scientific research or surveys;

• Commercial projects;

• Projects intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization;

• Projects that duplicate existing projects; or

• Illegal activities

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

Address to Request Application Package

This NOFO document and any amendments can be found at www.grants.gov and Grant

Opportunities - U.S. Embassy in Afghanistan (usembassy.gov). If you require special accommodation to access any information contained in this announcement, please contact KabulPDSProposals@state.gov (preferred method of communication)

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 https://ramportal.state.gov/ mailto:RAM@state.gov mailto:RAM@state.gov http://www.grants.gov/ https://af.usembassy.gov/embassy/grant-opportunities/ https://af.usembassy.gov/embassy/grant-opportunities/

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

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

• All Microsoft Word documents are single-spaced, 12-point Calibri font, with a minimum of 1-inch margins.

• All materials are submitted in one of the following formats: .xls, .xlsx. .doc, .docx, .pdf, or.jpeg. Other file types will likely not be reviewed.

• Grants.gov does not accept all UTF-8 special characters in file attachment names.

Applicants are able to enter all special characters from the UTF-8-character set when submitting applications and information to Grants.gov. However, if the grantor's system is not yet compatible with these special characters, the grantor system may produce garbled or missing text in the application. As a result, the application may be rejected.

The following documents are required:

1. Mandatory application forms

• SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance – organizations)

• SF-424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs)

• SF-424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs) (note: the SF-424B is only required for individuals and for organizations not registered in SAM.gov)

All submissions must include the SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance and the SF-424A Budget Information—Non-Construction. These forms and the instructions for completing them are available at http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms.html under the heading “SF-424 Family.”

NOTE: The SF-424B is required only for those applicants who have not registered in SAM.gov. An authorized signature by the applicant must be provided on this form.

2. Technical Proposal (15 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.

• Organizational Description and Capacity: 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 as well as experience with and expertise in areas related to those described in the NOFO. You may use the attached Applicant Organization Information Survey form to provide this information.

http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms.html

• 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 Methods, Design, Activities, and Deliverables: A description of how the program is expected to work to solve the stated problem and achieve the goal. Describe the program activities and how they will help achieve the objectives.

• 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: At a minimum the Program Manager position will be designated key personnel for this project. The proposal narrative should include names, titles, roles, and experience/qualifications of key personnel involved in the program and communicate what proportion of their time will be devoted to this program. As a required attachment, applicants must include a 1-page CV or resume for each key personnel proposed for the program. If an individual for these positions have not been identified, the applicant may submit a 1-page position description identifying the qualifications and skills required for the position in lieu of a resume.

• Program Partners: List the names and type of involvement of key partner organizations and sub-awardees.

• Future Funding or Sustainability Applicant’s plan for continuing the program beyond the grant period, or the availability of other resources, if applicable.

• Support of Equity and Underserved Communities: A description of how the applicant plans on incorporating principles of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) and engaging underserved communities in their program’s administration, design, and implementation. For more information, please reference Section F. Federal Award Administration Information.

• Program Monitoring & Evaluation Plan: This is an important part of successful grants.

Throughout the timeframe 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?

Proposals must include a draft Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP). The M&E PMP should show how applicants intend to measure and demonstrate progress towards the project’s objectives and goals. Annex 2 of this funding opportunity contains a template that may be used to fulfill this requirement. While the applicant is free to create their own template, completing Annex 2 will ensure a thorough

PMP.

The required components to the PMP are as follows:

a. Monitoring and Evaluation Narrative: In narrative form, applicants should describe how they intend to monitor and evaluate the activities of their award and collect data that tracks award performance. In addition, the applicant should describe any M&E processes, including key personnel, management structure (where M&E fits into the overall program’s staff structure), technology, and as well provide a brief budget narrative explaining any line-item expenditures for M&E listed in the program’s budget. Submission should demonstrate an ability to adjust project activities based on new information. If the proposal is from a prior grantee, the proposal discusses how the grantee has adapted, improved or otherwise modified their approach based on learning from previous experience. This narrative is limited to two pages.

b. Theory of Change Diagram: Applicants will be expected to submit either a Theory of Change diagram or an If-Then Statement that illustrates how project activities will lead to intended outcomes. Annex 2 includes a suggested format for these requirements.

c. Monitoring and Evaluation Datasheet: The applicant must include their proposed activities and their expected outputs and outcomes as well as the goals and objectives as written in the NOFO. The datasheet’s purpose is to explicitly illustrate how a project’s activities lead to tangible results (such as increased beneficiary skills, knowledge, or attitudes) that ultimately address a PDS objective. For more information, please see Annex 2.1: Instructions.

The Monitoring and Evaluation Datasheet must include the following components (depending on the proposal’s focus), which demonstrate progress toward the program objectives set out in the NOFO:

• Survey of current state of business environment for women.

• A before and after survey of participants in any capacity training/ workshop.

• Survey of participants in any mentorships or apprenticeships.

• A before and after survey of target audiences’ views for any advocacy or community engagement campaigns.

The selected applicant’s M&E PMP is subject to review and approval before any award will be issued under this NOFO. The selected applicant will be required to work with PDS Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist to ensure the applicant’s M&E PMP achieves an expected level of expertise and meets PDS objectives. The potential grantee will also be required to track Department-mandated performance indicators, per funding regulations.

Expenses directly associated with monitoring and evaluation are considered allowable. The suggested template includes a space to list the portion of the total budget amount directly associated with monitoring and evaluation activities.

3. Detailed Line-Item Budget: Applications will not be considered complete and eligible for consideration unless they include budgets that respond to the NOFO guidelines. Complete budgets must include detailed line items outlining specific cost requirements for proposed activities. Applicants must adhere to the regulations found in 2 CFR 200 Uniform Administrative Requirements, Costs Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards. The allowability of costs incurred by commercial organizations is determined in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) at 48 CFR Part 30 and Part 31.

Applications must include a detailed line-item budget (in Microsoft Excel or similar spreadsheet format) that delineates funds requested from the Embassy and cost-share (see below for more information on budget format). Costs must be in U.S. dollars. The budget must identify the total amount of funding requested, with a breakdown of amounts to be spent in the following budget categories: personnel; fringe benefits; travel; equipment; supplies; consultants/contracts; other direct costs; and indirect costs. See Annex 1 for a description of the types of costs that should be included in each category.

Additional Budget Considerations

• Please note the audit requirements for Department of State awards in the Standard Terms and Conditions https://www.state.gov/m/a/ope/index.htm and 2 CFR 200, Subpart F – Audit Requirements. The cost of the required audits may be charged either as an allowable direct cost to the award OR included in the organization’s established indirect costs in the award’s detailed budget.

• Organizations claiming indirect costs should have an established Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA). A copy of the NICRA should be provided with the proposal package. If sub-grantees are claiming indirect costs, they should have an established NICRA, and it should also be submitted with the proposal package. Information on how to obtain a NICRA rate is listed in Section G. If a non-profit organization does not have a NICRA and the proposal budget has a line item for indirect cost charges, those indirect charges may not exceed 10% of Modified Total Direct Costs. The 10% maximum does not apply to for-profit entities. For-profit entities that do not have a NICRA but do have a formally established General and Administrative (G&A) rate may apply the G&A rate. For-profit entities that do not have a formally established G&A rate should allocate indirect costs to the appropriate direct cost category.

• Grant funds cannot be used for alcoholic beverages.

a. Budget Justification Narrative: The purpose of the budget justification narrative is to supplement the information provided in the budget spreadsheet by justifying how the budget cost elements are necessary to implement project objectives and accomplish the project goals. The budget justification narrative is a tool to help PDS staff fully understand the budgetary needs of the applicant and is an opportunity to provide descriptive information about the requested costs beyond the constraints of the budget template. Together, the detailed budget spreadsheet, the budget justification narrative, and the SF-424A should provide a complete financial and qualitative description that supports the proposed project http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2cfr200_main_02.tpl http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2cfr200_main_02.tpl http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2cfr200_main_02.tpl https://www.state.gov/m/a/ope/index.htm https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=faafd0fce318cf3701c4ba848b603624&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5#se2.1.200_1101 plan and should be directly relatable to the specific project components described in the applicant’s proposal.

4. Required Attachments:

a. Key Personnel Resumes: A resume, not to exceed one page in length, must be included for the proposed key staff persons, such as the Project Manager and Finance Officer, as well as any speakers or trainers (if applicable). If an individual for this type of position has not been identified, the applicant may submit a 1-page position description, identifying the qualifications and skills required for that position, in lieu of a résumé.

b. Letters of support from program partners: Letters of support should be included for sub-recipients or other partners. 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.

c. Indirect Costs: If your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, your latest NICRA should be included in the application submission.

d. 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 501(c)(3) Internal Revenue Service determination letter, and non-U.S. organizations should provide evidence of non-profit status issued by a government entity).

e. Proof of Registration: A copy of the organization’s registration should be provided with the proposal application. U.S.-based organizations should submit a copy of their IRS determination letter. Afghanistan-based organizations should submit a copy of their certificate of registration from the appropriate government organization.

f. Security plan: All proposals must include a security plan. We require award recipients to notify the Public Diplomacy Section in advance of any travel by staff, program participants, or other individuals to Afghanistan in connection with the program. The applicant should submit their organizational policy for working in high-risk environments.

Other items NOT required/requested with the application submission, but which may be requested if your application is approved to move forward in the review process include:

a) Copies of an organization or program audit within the last two (2) years

b) Copies of relevant human resources, financial, or procurement policies

c) Copies of other relevant organizational policies or documentation that would help the

Department determine your organization’s capacity to manage a federal grant award overseas.

d) Information to determine what financial controls and standard operating procedures an organization uses to procure goods and services, hire staff and track time and attendance, pay for grant-related travel, and identify other financial transactions that may be necessary to undertake the project activities.

e) The Embassy reserves the right to request any additional programmatic and/or financial information regarding the proposal.

Applications are accepted in English only, and final grant agreements will be concluded in English.

Budgets should be submitted in U.S. dollars, and final grant agreements will be conducted in U.S.

dollars.

Required Registrations:

Unique Entity Identifier and registration in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov)

All organizations, whether based in the United States or in another country, must have a Unique

Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration with the www.SAM.gov . A UEI is one of the data elements mandated by Public Law 109-282, the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency

Act (FFATA), for all Federal awards.

Any applicant with an exclusion 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.”

The Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) is one of the data elements mandated by Public Law 109-282, the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA), for all Federal awards. SAM.gov is the Federal government's primary database for complying with FFATA reporting requirements. OMB designated SAM.gov as the central repository to facilitate applicant and recipient use of a single public website that consolidates data on all federal financial assistance. Under the law, it is mandatory to register in SAM.gov.

Starting April 2022, the UEI will be assigned when an organization registers or renews it’s registration in SAM.gov at www.SAM.gov. To access SAM.gov an organization is required to have a Login.gov account. Organization can create an account at https://login.gov/. As a reminder, organizations need to renew its sam.gov registration annually.

www.sam.gov requires all entities to renew their registration once a year in order to maintain an active registration status in SAM.gov. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure it has an active registration in SAM.gov.

If an organization plans to issue a sub-contract or sub-award, those sub-awardees must also have a unique entity identifier (UEI number). Those entities can register for a UEI only at SAM.gov.

http://www.sam.gov/ https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sam.gov%2F&data=04%7C01%7Cfjeldkk%40state.gov%7C8a179f425ec644553b0a08da0c446ace%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C637835785239027166%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=1O%2BquRWkk5TWZ9R%2FzeWA%2BjVqSPwgts5FKs5lUXBCVGU%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flogin.gov%2F&data=04%7C01%7Cfjeldkk%40state.gov%7C8a179f425ec644553b0a08da0c446ace%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C637835785239027166%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=tZgLWndOJE4QfgsenOHTZxlAyGwD1%2FcsHk9zT0XqO9g%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sam.gov%2F&data=04%7C01%7Cfjeldkk%40state.gov%7C8a179f425ec644553b0a08da0c446ace%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C637835785239027166%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=1O%2BquRWkk5TWZ9R%2FzeWA%2BjVqSPwgts5FKs5lUXBCVGU%3D&reserved=0#_blank

If an organization does not have an active registration in SAM.gov prior to submitting an application, the application could be deemed ineligible. All organizations applying for grants (except individuals) must obtain these registrations, the latter are free of charge.

Note: As of April 2022, a DUNS number is no longer required for federal assistance applications.

The 2 CFR 200 requires that sub-grantees obtain a UEI number. Please note the UEI for sub-grantees is not required at the time of application but will be required before an award is processed and/or directed to a sub-grantee.

Note: The process of obtaining or renewing a SAM.gov registration may take anywhere from

4-8 weeks. Please begin your registration as early as possible.

• Organizations based in the United States or that pay employees within the United States will need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and a UEI number prior to registering in SAM.gov.

• Organizations based outside of the United States and that do not pay employees within the United States do not need an EIN from the IRS but do need a UEI number prior to registering in SAM.gov.

• Please note that as of November 2022 and February 2022 respectively, organizations based outside of the United States that do not intend to apply for U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) awards are no longer required to have a NATO Commercial and Government Entity (NCAGE) code or CAGE code to apply for non-DoD foreign assistance funding opportunities. If an applicant organization is mid-registration and wishes to remove a CAGE or NCAGE code from their SAM.gov registration, the applicant should submit a help desk ticket (“incident”) with the Federal Service Desk (FSD) online at www.fsd.gov using the following language: “I do not intend to seek financial assistance from the Department of Defense. I do not wish to obtain a CAGE or NCAGE code. I understand that I will need to submit my registration after this incident is resolved in order to have my registration activated.”

Submission Dates and Times

Application Deadline: All applications must be received by June 21, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.

U.S. Eastern Time. For the purposes of determining if an award is submitted on time, officials will utilize the time stamp provided by Grants.gov. This deadline is firm and is not a rolling deadline. If organizations fail to meet the deadline noted above, their applications will be considered ineligible and will not be considered for funding.

Question Deadline: For questions on this solicitation, please contact https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fsd.gov%2Fgsafsd_sp%3Fid%3Dgsafsd_kb_articles%26sys_id%3Dc81018e71b1601d0937fa64ce54bcb57&data=05%7C01%7Cfjeldkk%40state.gov%7C0cc4e2b471f44abcd32308db093ecead%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C638113937577534024%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=W2ShcazZBQbanYGj0cLOTnUJwv%2BGL4xfwr83%2BycQY2E%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fsd.gov%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cfjeldkk%40state.gov%7C0cc4e2b471f44abcd32308db093ecead%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C638113937577534024%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=t32ANWzgpiB93pMWoq%2BFCSHz4YJY9QF1S1iQzCsS6RM%3D&reserved=0

KabulPDSProposals@state.gov Questions must be received on or before May 22, 2024, at 11:59 p.m., U.S. Eastern Time. Applicants should not expect an email response to questions, as questions received before the deadline will be answered in a question and answer document and posted at http://www.grants.gov and Grant Opportunities - U.S. Embassy in Afghanistan (usembassy.gov).

Funding Restrictions

• Construction: Any award made as a result of this NOFO will not allow for construction activities or costs.

• Pre-award Costs: Any costs incurred prior to the award start date in the Federal Notice of Award are incurred at the recipient’s own risk. Approval of these costs requires authorization of the Grants Officer to be considered allowable, will only be considered on a case-by-case basis, and will only be authorized in extraordinary circumstances. Applicants should assume that any costs incurred before the start date on the Federal Notice of Award will not be authorized.

Submission Requirements This section provides the application submission and receipt instructions for program applications. Please read the following instructions carefully and completely.

Electronic delivery via www.grants.gov PDS is participating in the Grants.gov initiative to provide the grant community a single site to find and apply for grant funding opportunities. PDS requires applicants to submit their applications electronically through Grants.gov. Applications submitted via any other means such as email will not be accepted.

To submit an application via Grants.gov, all organizations applying for grants (except individuals) must obtain these registrations. All are free of charge:

1. www.SAM.gov registration (which will generate a UEI). An active SAM registration (www.SAM.gov) with current information at all times during which they have an active federal award or an application under consideration by a federal awarding agency. Applicants must be fully registered in SAM before submitting an application;

applicants that do not have an active SAM registration will be deemed ineligible and will not be considered for an award. For information on how to register with SAM, see https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-2-register-with-sam.html and https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/scage/CageList.aspx#show-video-popup. Note that when SAM registration is complete the organization will be issued a SAM.gov-generated UEI. SAM registration must be renewed annually. The Department may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive an award and use this determination as a basis for making an award to another applicant.

mailto:KabulPDSProposals@state.gov http://www.grants.gov/ https://af.usembassy.gov/embassy/grant-opportunities/ https://af.usembassy.gov/embassy/grant-opportunities/ http://www.sam.gov/ http://www.sam.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-2-register-with-sam.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-2-register-with-sam.html https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/scage/CageList.aspx#show-video-popup…