SFOP0009844 QandA 07272023.docx

CSO Opportunity #SFOP0009844 Q&A 7272023

The following questions were posed to CSO by potential applicants. We are providing our consolidated answers below in the interest of fairness and equitability to all applicants:

1) Question: In the NOFO, the standard gender indicators are said to be included in the M&E section of the proposal, if possible, but in the proposal instructions, the standard gender indicators is listed as a separate document under mandatory attachments. Could you please help clarify whether the gender indicators should be part of the proposal under M&E or rather its own separate attachment?

Answer: The Standard Gender Indicators are provided as examples of the type of data you can collect and can be used in the Performance Monitoring and Evaluation Plan, as relevant. The Gender Analysis of Conflict is a required analytic product that can be referenced in the proposal narrative but does not count as part of the 10-page limit for the proposal narrative. All proposals must include the Gender Analysis of Conflict as a required attachment, up to 3 pages. Please refer to the CSO Gender Analysis of Conflict guidance for sample questions.

2) Question: In reviewing the subject NOFO, our organization would like to request clarity on NOFO Page 7, “Other considerations.” Can you provide details on the level of vetting that the Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations will expect after award? Will vetting be required of the following groups (if any): key individuals, sub awardees, vendors, and/or participants/beneficiaries?

Answer: Vetting of (but not limited to) key individuals, sub awardees, vendors, and/or participants/beneficiaries, may be required based on the risk of material support as assessed by CSO in collaboration with the selected implementer. This determination would be made once an implementer is conditionally selected.

3) Question: Due to the political sensitivities around the Sinjar agreement and the recent review of the UNAMI mandate, we would like to receive more information on the background of this NOFO. Has this call been discussed with Federal Iraq, the KRG, UNAMI?

Answer: The United States welcomes and encourages efforts by the Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government, in coordination with the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq, to resolve Sinjar’s longstanding political and security challenges. We continue to engage with these and other relevant stakeholders to create conditions that will foster the revival of Sinjar and the safe and voluntary return of those who were displaced by ISIS.

4) Question: The illustrative program objectives and activities talk about governance only and mention specific outcomes such as a local governance report - plan. While the problem statement mentioned perspectives on reconstruction, security and governance. How much are we expected to answer to the illustrative program objectives?

Answer: The NOFO outlines program objectives and activities on pages 5-6. Proposals should address how the applicant intends to meet the NOFO’s objectives.

5) Question: What specific roles does the U.S. Department of State foresee playing in program implementation and support within this particular context? We would appreciate further clarification on the extent of U.S. Department of State’s involvement and the specific areas where the U.S. Department of State can support. Could you please provide insights into the visibility that the U.S. Department of State envisions during the implementation?

Answer: CSO will work closely with successful applicants to advise on revisions to the theory-of-change (TOC), design, indicators, and data collection instruments, working to ensure an approach that benefits the wider conflict community. Additionally, CSO seeks to ensure that qualitative and quantitative information from the program is shared with CSO in ways that can feed into the broader analysis of conflict dynamics at subnational, national, and regional levels. As a result, CSO may work with the Recipient to develop a documentation and reporting plan that meets those needs. Please refer to page 8 of the NOFO for other examples of CSO’s involvement during implementation.

6) Question: Within our organization, we perceive local ownership in this context as the Sinjaris taking the lead in the dialogue process, while external actors provide support by offering guidance/accompaniment, necessary tools, trainings, and resources. We are interested in understanding the perspective of the U.S. Department of State on this matter. How does the U.S. Department of State view the concept of local ownership and the respective roles of the Sinjaris and external actors in the dialogue process?

Answer: This program intends to bridge the gap between Sinjaris and regional and national governance bodies by elevating local perspectives. Page 6-7 of the NOFO outlines the program’s geographic focus, targeted groups, and partnerships.

7) Question: Is it open for applicants to propose activities that not only focus on engaging the Sinjaris but also involve the Government of Iraq (GOI), Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), and the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI)? For instance, to include consultations among all actors. Is there a separate program addressing these entities that the U.S. Department of State contributes to? If not, please provide insights into the State Department's plans with relevance to other actors.

Answer: This program will coordinate with UNAMI to elevate local Sinjari voices, share the program’s findings, and leverage UNAMI’s relationships with local, regional, and national leaders in Iraq. UNAMI is an important actor for this program due to its history as an original broker of the Sinjar Agreement, including the mandate to support implementation of the Sinjar Agreement.

8) Question: Regarding travel expenses, the budget guidelines emphasize complying with the Fly America Act. However, we would like to seek clarification regarding flights originating from one destination and traveling to another without involving the US territory. Specifically, we would appreciate information regarding the regulations and requirements that must be adhered to in such cases.

Answer: Please refer to the Fly America Act for guidance on rules and exceptions. More information can be found at: https://www.gsa.gov/policy-regulations/policy/travel-management-policy/fly-america-act

9) Question: If our organization previously applied for a separate grant with the Department of State and it is currently under review, do we need to submit a financial management survey for the SAMAD opportunity? Additionally, if such a survey is required, please advise on the specific information we must include under the financial management survey.

Answer: A financial management survey is not required for this NOFO. Section V of the NOFO lists the required budgetary components.

10) Question: We successfully registered our organization on the SAMS platform last month, and the system has assigned a unique entity identifier (UEI) to it. We also created an account associated with our organization and linked it to the same UEI. Can you confirm if it is permissible to submit the application using my existing SAMS account or if we must submit it through our organization's account?

Answer: If the application is being submitted on behalf of an organization, the application should be linked to the organization’s account rather than an individual’s account.

11) Question: Regarding the inclusion of a local partner and sub-grantee, is it permissible to identify them at a later stage if selected to receive the funding and in close consultation with the State Department’s COS? Due the current design of the project we wonder if there is flexibility in identifying a local sub-grantee, as well as a local partner after initial planning, provided it is done in consultation with the State Department.

Answer: Letters of intent from prospective implementers demonstrate capacity to execute the desired program, and core capacities should be established prior to award issuance. Sub- implementers can be added during the program period, though this typically occurs to address specific (often, but not always, short-term) activities or emerging needs rather for the bulk of the award.