SFOP0009040 NOFO - CDP - Q&A - 15 JUNE 2022.docx

United States Department of State Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy, International Cyberspace Security Unit (Formerly S/CCI, Office of the Coordinator for Cyber Issues)

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Title: Advancing Cybersecurity Policies in support of an Open, Interoperable, Reliable, and Secure Internet Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Number: SFOP0009040 Questions and Answers

15 JUNE 2022

QUESTION 1: Although the RFP mentions that it welcomes applications from US 501 (c)(3), even foreign-based NGOs, it does not specify whether other U.S. NGOs, with 501 (c)(6) status would be able to apply. Can you clarify and provide further details?

ANSWER 1: Per NOFO Section C. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION, C.1 Eligible Applicants (page 6), “CDP/ICS welcomes applications from U.S.-based non-profit/non-governmental organizations subject to section 501(c) (3) of the U.S. tax code; foreign-based non-profit organizations/nongovernment organizations (NGO); Public International Organizations; Foreign Public Organizations; private, public, or state institutions of higher education; and for-profit organizations or businesses.” U.S.-based non-profit/non-governmental organizations subject to section 501(c) (6) are not listed as eligible organizations.

QUESTION 2: We are currently setting up a new US 501 (c)(3). In the hypothetical case that we can file the application and register that organization in the upcoming days/weeks, would we be able to apply on behalf of the new 501 (c)(3)? Is it OK to apply with all the legal/registration documents, or do you need something in particular from IRS? I am asking this because IRS certifications are taking a while, and I am not sure if we will be able to get them by the application deadline.

ANSWER 2: Per NOFO Section C. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION, C.1 Eligible Applicants (page 6), “CDP/ICS welcomes applications from U.S.-based non-profit/non-governmental organizations subject to section 501(c) (3) of the U.S. tax code; foreign-based non-profit organizations/nongovernment organizations (NGO); Public International Organizations; Foreign Public Organizations; private, public, or state institutions of higher education; and for-profit organizations or businesses.” U.S.-based non-profit/non-governmental organizations subject to section 501(c) (3) are listed as eligible organizations. Per NOFO (page 1), “Application Deadline: 11:59 PM EST on Thursday, 28 JULY 2022”

QUESTION 3: According to the RFP (pg. 12), obtaining a SAM.gov registration may take anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks. Although we will do our best to submit everything by the end of the week, we are concerned that we may not obtain the SAM and UEI registration before the deadline for submission. If this is the case, would it be possible to get an exemption, as stated in point D.3.1?

ANSWER 3: Per NOFO Section D.3 Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM) (pages 11-13), “(A)ll prime organizations, whether based in the United States or in another country, must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), formerly referred to as DUNS, and an active registration with the SAM.gov before submitting an application. CDP/ICS may not review applications from or make awards to applicants that have not completed all applicable UEI and SAM.gov requirements. 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.

Further, Section D.3.1 Exemptions (page 13) states that “(A)n exemption from these requirements may be permitted on a case-by-case basis if:

● An applicant’s identity must be protected due to potential endangerment of their mission, their organization’s status, their employees, or individuals being served by the applicant.

Organizations requesting exemption from UEI or SAM.gov requirements must email the point of contact listed in the NOFO at least two weeks prior to the deadline in the NOFO providing a justification of their request. Approval for a SAM.gov exemption must come from the warranted Grants Officer before the application can be deemed eligible for review.”