SRP PD Higher Education Access NOFO.docx

SRP Public Diplomacy FY-2023 Higher Education Access NOFO

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs Office of Press and Public Diplomacy / Syria Regional Platform (SRP) Notice of Funding Opportunity – Higher Education Access

Funding Opportunity Title: SRP Higher Education Access NOFO Funding Opportunity Number: SRP-SSY-FY2023-1 Deadline for Application: July 21, 2023 (07/21/2023) Funding Instrument Type: Grant or Cooperative Agreement Assistance Listing Number: 19.021 – Investing in People in the Middle East and North Africa Category Explanation: Public Diplomacy Programs Total Amount Available: $500,000 Award Range (minimum-maximum): $150,000 - $500,000

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs Office of Press and Public Diplomacy (NEA/PPD), in cooperation with the Syria Regional Platform Public Diplomacy (SRP PD) office of the U.S. Department of State, is pleased to announce this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to increase access of Syrian refugees overseas to information about, and other support in pursuing U.S. higher education opportunities. The primary goal of this funding opportunity is to further the U.S. policy objective of encouraging the matriculation in U.S. universities of Syrian students classified as refugees in accordance with national government or United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) protocols. This NOFO outlines NEA/PPD’s and SRP PD’s funding priorities, strategic and thematic areas of focus, and procedures to submit applications for funding. Please carefully follow all instructions below.

Purpose: NEA/PPD and SRP PD invite proposals for programs that strengthen people-to-people ties between the United States and prospective refugee classified Syrian international students interested in pursuing their higher education studies at an American college or university. In this context an award under this NOFO is designed to support the preparation, dissemination, and use of information about access to U.S. higher education opportunities for Syrian refugees overseas to advance U.S. policy goals and objectives for Syria. Specifically, proposed programs should support increased access to scholarships and related opportunities for financial support for refugee-classified Syrian students to pursue a degree at accredited U.S. institutions of higher education. This could include: programs that increase access to existing scholarship resources and/or supplementary funding that can cover gaps not met by existing scholarships. Additional program elements may include: providing guidance and/or support on the application process at all stages, e.g. documentation of academic credentials, mandatory standardized testing, visa procurement, etc.; liaising with higher education institutions regarding the unique circumstances of refugee classified students; connecting students beginning their studies with transition support; and other support as appropriate. Proposed programs could also include support for access to virtual/online degree programs.

Additional Guidance: Building the capacity of local partners and community organizations is a key tenet of NEA/PPD and SRP PD funded programs. Hence, in cases where U.S.-based applicants plan to work with local non-U.S. partners, the proposed intervention should, as an auxiliary objective, help increase the capacity of these local partners. Such partnership can take the form of the local organization(s) assisting in identifying prospective student beneficiaries, design and implementation of educational enrichment or related activities, and evaluation of program impact and effectiveness. Any prospective local partner(s) should be identified by the prime applicant.

NEA/PPD and SRP PD require applicants be in good legal standing and have all the necessary approvals with appropriate government authorities to implement the project. Award recipients will be required to demonstrate such standing during the pre-award process and to maintain it throughout the lifespan of the award, including for any sub-grant and/or sub-contract made under its auspices.

Strong preference will be given to applicants who:

· Have demonstrable previous experience in recruiting and matriculating refugee classified Syrian students.

· Possess established programs targeting such refugee students and designed to support these students to fund their education.

· Have developed support programs and services sensitive to the unique needs of Syrian refugee students in adapting to and succeeding in the American higher education environment.

Participants and Audiences: Proposed programs should engage prospective students belonging to the overseas Syrian diaspora. Recruitment of Syrian students from inside Syria or those already in the United States is not permissible for an award(s) under this NOFO. NEA/PPD and SRP PD require all programmatic activities to fully address gender considerations, ensuring program eligible young men and women benefit from its support, existing gaps between men and women based on cultural or other norms are minimized or closed, and gender awareness is a built-in component of project activities.

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Number of awards anticipated: One to two (1-2) awards Award amount: Awards may range from between $150,000 to a maximum of $500,000 Total available funding: $500,000 (subject to availability of funds) Type of Funding: FY-2023 Diplomatic Programs-Public Diplomacy Funds Anticipated program start date: October 1, 2023 (10-01-2023)

This notice is subject to availability of funding.

Funding Instrument Type: Grant or Cooperative agreement. Grants have specific reporting requirements from the recipient during the award period and at the conclusion of the award. Cooperative agreements include substantial involvement of bureau/embassy staff in grant oversight according to terms delineated in the award agreement. The funding instrument type will be determined following final selection of recipient(s).

Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 48 months or less.

The Department of State may, as appropriate, 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.

C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION

1. Eligible Applicants

The following organizations are eligible to apply:

· U.S. and/or foreign not-for-profit organizations directly involved in international foreign student academic preparation, support, and/or related services

· U.S. and/or foreign public and private educational institutions

· U.S. and/or foreign public international organizations and governmental institutions directly involved in assisting Syrian refugee students to pursue their higher education at U.S. colleges and/or universities

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

“Cost Sharing” refers to contributions from the organization or other entities other than U.S. government federal funds. It also includes in-kind contributions such as volunteers’ time and donated venues. Cost sharing is not a mandatory condition of awards under this NOFO. If an applicant decides to cost-share, there is no minimum or maximum percentage required. However, NEA/PPD and SRP PD encourage applicants to provide cost sharing or in-kind funding in support of its programs.

When cost sharing is offered, it is understood and agreed that the applicant must provide the amount of cost sharing as stipulated in its proposal and later included in an approved agreement. Cost sharing may be in the form of allowable direct or indirect costs. For accountability, the Recipient must maintain written records to support all costs which are claimed as the Recipient’s contribution, as well as costs to be paid by the U.S. federal government. Such records are subject to audit.

The basis for determining the value of cash and in-kind contributions must be in accordance with the Office of Management and Budget Circular 2 CFR Pars 200 and 600 entitled the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards. In the event the Recipient does not provide the amount of cost sharing as stipulated in the approved budget, NEA/PPD and SRP PD’s contribution will be reduced in like proportion.

Funding Restrictions: The following types of programs are not eligible for funding:

· Programs run by for-profit organizations

· Programs related to partisan political activity

· Construction programs

· Programs that support specific religions or related activities

· Fund-raising campaigns

· Lobbying for specific legislation or programs

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

1. Address to Request Application Package

Application forms required below are available at grants.gov, but all applications must be submitted to the Syria Regional Platform Public Diplomacy Section at: srppds@state.gov

2. 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 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 proposals are single-spaced in 12 point Calibri font and have a minimum of 1-inch margins. Note: Proposal page length as noted below excludes any mandatory forms or attachments as described in the following.

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 organizations not registered in SAM.gov

All of these forms are available at http://www.grants.gov under the “Forms” tab.

2. Proposal (15 pages maximum excluding any mandatory forms and/or attachments as described herein). 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 following items.

· Summary: Short narrative that identifies the applicant organization, date of proposal, program title, and outline of the proposed program including duration and anticipated impact.

· Introduction to the applicant organization: A description of past and present operations, showing ability to carry out the program, including information on all previous grants from U.S. government agencies and/or major international donors.

· Problem statement: Clear, concise and well-supported statement of the issue(s) to be addressed and how the proposed program will resolve the issue(s).

· 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. All program goals and objectives as well as the overall project design should adhere to the SMART model:

· Specific - What are the specific objectives of the program activities and how will those objectives achieve the intended program impact?

· Measurable - What are the quantifiable results that determine achievement of each objective?

· Achievable - Can the program meet the objectives within time and/or resource constraints?

· Relevant - How will success of the objectives contribute to the program's overarching goal?

· Time-Bound - Is there a clear schedule as to when key program milestones as well as the project’s end goal(s) are achieved?

· Activities: Describe the major program activities and how they will contribute toward achievement of the objectives.

· Program methods and design: A description of how the program is expected to work to solve the stated problem and to achieve the goal. Include a logic model as appropriate.

· Schedule or timeline: The proposed timeline for the program activities. This can take the form of a chart outlining expected completion of milestone activities or events by quarter (3-month intervals).

· Key personnel: Names, titles, roles and experience/qualifications of key personnel involved in the program. What proportion of their time will be used in support of it? For each position designated as key personnel, applicants must provide the following:

· If the position is already filled: Brief biographical information summarizing the person’s qualifications, as well as a brief description of the roles or responsibilities pertaining to this project.

· If the person to fill a key position has not yet been hired: A summary of the job description, which should include a description of the roles and responsibilities pertaining to this project, as well as a description of qualifications of eligible candidates.

NOTE: If an applicant is proposing a sub-grant partner(s) as part of their project design, Key Personnel/Positions of the prospective sub-grantee must also be included.

· Program partners: List the names and type of involvement of key partner organizations and sub-awardees, if any.

· Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) plan: 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 its goals? Note: SRP PD will accept a preliminary M&E plan at this stage subject to the submission of a full plan by the successful applicant(s).

· Future funding or sustainability: Applicant’s plan for continuing the program beyond the grant period, or the availability of other resources, if applicable.

· Risk Analysis: All programs inherently contain both internal and external risks. However, with proper identification and management, risks can be prepared for, minimized, or mitigated. The purpose of a risk analysis is to identify the internal and external risks associated with the proposed program in the application, rate the likelihood of the risks, rate the potential impact of the risks on the program, and identify actions that could help mitigate the risks. Applicants should include all assumptions and external factors identified in the logic model in the risk analysis. Applicants should rate the likelihood of a risk and potential impact of the risk as “High,” “Medium,” or “Low.” Note: SRP requires organizations to conduct adequate risk analysis and remediation throughout the life of a program and provide revisions to risk analysis documents and processes as necessary.

4. Attachments:

Attachments (Neither the mandatory application forms nor attachments count toward the 15-page limit on proposals):

· Applicant’s organizational chart

· 1-page CV or resume of key personnel for the program

· Budget justification narrative: To accompany the SF-424A Budget form, provide a separate budget narrative to account for proposed expenses in detail. See section H. Other Information: Guidelines for Budget Submissions below for further information.

· Letters of support from program partners describing the roles and responsibilities of each partner, if any.

· If your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, your latest NICRA should be included as a pdf file.

· Official permission letters from governmental or other authorities if required for program activities.

3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov)

Required Registrations:

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 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.

To access SAM.gov an organization is required to have a Login.gov account. Organizations can create an account at https://login.gov/

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.”

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

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), a Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code, and a UEI number prior to registering in SAM.gov. A CAGE code will be automatically assigned when U.S. organizations register in www.sam.gov. CAGE must be renewed every 5 years. Site for CAGE: https://cage.dla.mil/Home/UsageAgree.

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 and a SAM.gov registration. Please note that as of December 2022, organizations based outside of the United States that do not intend to apply for U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) award re no longer required to have a NATO CAGE (NCAGE) code to apply for non-DoD foreign assistance funding opportunities.

All implementing organizations must also continue to maintain a current, active SAM.gov registration at all times during which they have an active federal award or application under consideration by a federal award agency. SAM.gov requires all entities to renew their registration once a year to maintain active status. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure it has an active registration in SAM.gov and to maintain the same. If an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements at the time of application, the applicant may be deemed technically ineligible to receive an award.

Please refer to 2 CFR 25.200 for additional information.

Note: SAM.gov is not the same as SAMS Domestic. It is free of charge to register in both systems, but the registration processes are different.

Information is included on the SAM.gov website to help international registrations, including “Quick Start Guide for International Registrations” and “Helpful Hints.” Navigate to www.SAM.gov, click “HELP” in the top navigation bar, then click, “Explore” and “New to SAM.gov?” for general information. Applicants should review the website for the most up-to-date guidance.

Exemptions: An exemption from these requirements may be permitted on the basis of:

· If the federal awarding agency makes a determination there are exigent circumstances that prohibit the applicant from receiving a UEI and completing SAM registration prior to receiving a federal award. In these instances, federal awarding agencies must require the recipient to obtain a UEI and complete SAM registration within 30 days of the federal award date.

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.

4. Submission Dates and Times

Completed applications are due no later than 5:00 p.m. local Turkish time [GMT/UTC + 3 hours] on July 21, 2023 (07/21/2023). There is no grace period, and any application not received by this deadline will be deemed ineligible. Applications must be submitted electronically via email to: srppds@state.gov

E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

1. Criteria: Each application will be evaluated and rated based on the following evaluative criteria.

Quality and Feasibility of the Program Idea – 20 points: The program idea is well developed, with detail about how program activities will be carried out. The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline.

Organizational Capacity and Record on Previous Grants – 15 points: The organization has expertise in its stated field and has the internal controls in place to manage federal funds.

Program Planning/Ability to Achieve Objectives – 15 points: Goals and objectives are clearly stated and program approach is likely to provide maximum impact in achieving the proposed results.

Budget – 20 points: The budget justification is detailed. Costs are reasonable in relation to the proposed activities and anticipated results. The budget is realistic, accounting for all necessary expenses to achieve proposed activities.

Monitoring and evaluation plan – 15 points: Applicant demonstrates it is able to measure program success against key indicators and provides milestones to indicate progress toward goals outlined in the proposal. The program includes output and outcome indicators and shows how and when those will be measured.

Support of Equity and Underserved Communities – 15 points: Proposals should clearly demonstrate how the program will support and advance equity and engage underserved communities in program administration, design, and implementation.

2. Review and Selection Process

Both a technical and Grants Review Committee will evaluate all eligible applications against the criteria listed above. For a balanced review all panelists will review the application up to the required page limit and no further. The review panel may provide conditions and/or recommendations to address notable deficiencies. Conditions and/or recommendations must be addressed during the pre-award negotiations.

3. Responsibility/Qualification Information in SAM.gov (formerly, FAPIIS)

i. The Federal awarding agency, prior to making a Federal award with a total amount of Federal share greater than the simplified acquisition threshold over the period of performance, is required to review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the U.S. government designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM.gov (see 41 U.S.C. 2313);

ii. An applicant, at its option, may review and comment on any information about itself that a Federal awarding agency previously entered. Currently, federal agencies create integrity records in the integrity module of the Contractor Performance Assessment and Reporting System (CPARS) and these records are visible as responsibility/qualification records in SAM.gov;

iii. The Federal awarding agency will consider any comments by the applicant, in addition to the other information in the designated integrity and performance system, in making a judgment about the applicant's integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under Federal awards when completing the review of risk posed by applicants as described in §200.206 Federal awarding agency review of risk posed by applicants.

F. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

1. Federal Award Notices

The grant award or cooperative agreement will be written, signed, awarded, and administered by the SRP Grants Officer. The assistance award agreement is the authorizing document and it will be provided to the recipient for review and signature by email. The recipient may only start incurring program expenses beginning on the start date shown on the grant award document signed by the Grants Officer.

If a proposal is selected for funding, the Department of State has no obligation to provide any additional future funding. Renewal of an award to increase funding or extend the period of performance is at the discretion of the Department of State.

Issuance of this NOFO does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the U.S. government, nor does it commit the U.S. government to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of proposals. Further, the U.S. government reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

Before submitting an application, applicants should review all the terms and conditions and required certifications which will apply to this award, to ensure that they will be able to comply. These include:

· 2 CFR 25 - UNIVERSAL IDENTIFIER AND SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT

· 2 CFR 170 - REPORTING SUBAWARD AND EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION INFORMATION

· 2 CFR 175 - AWARD TERM FOR TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS

· 2 CFR 182 - GOVERNMENTWIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE (FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE)

· 2 CFR 183 - NEVER CONTRACT WITH THE ENEMY

· 2 CFR 600 – DEPARTMENT OF STATE REQUIREMENTS

· U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS

In accordance with the Office of Management and Budget’s guidance located at 2 CFR part 200, all applicable Federal laws and relevant Executive guidance, the Department of State will review and consider applications for funding, as applicable to specific programs, pursuant to this notice of funding opportunity in accordance with the following: NOTE:

· Guidance for Grants and Agreements in Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations (2 CFR), as updated in the Federal Register’s 85 FR 49506 on August 13, 2020, particularly on:

· Selecting recipients most likely to be successful in delivering results based on the program objectives through an objective process of evaluating Federal award applications (2 CFR part 200.205),

· Prohibiting the purchase of certain telecommunication and video surveillance services or equipment in alignment with section 889 of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2019 (Pub. L. No. 115—232) (2 CFR part 200.216),

· Promoting the freedom of speech and religious liberty in alignment with Promoting Free Speech and Religious Liberty (E.O. 13798) and Improving Free Inquiry, Transparency, and Accountability at Colleges and Universities (E.O. 13864) (§§ 200.300, 200.303, 200.339, and 200.341),

· Providing a preference, to the extent permitted by law, to maximize use of goods, products, and materials produced in the United States (2 CFR part 200.322), and

· Terminating agreements in whole or in part to the greatest extent authorized by law, if an award no longer effectuates the program goals or agency priorities (2 CFR part 200.340).

3. Reporting

Reporting Requirements: Recipients will be required to submit periodic program and financial reports. The frequency of reporting will depend upon the amount of the award and the duration of the period of performance, with three month (quarterly) intervals most common.

G. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS

If you have any questions about the grant application process, please contact: The SRP Grants Officer or Grants Officer Representative at: srppds@state.gov

H. OTHER INFORMATION

Guidelines for Budget Justification

Personnel and Fringe Benefits: Describe the wages, salaries, and benefits of temporary or permanent staff who will be working directly for the applicant on the program using award funds, and the percentage of their time that will be spent on the program.

Travel: Estimate the costs of travel and per diem for this program, for program staff, consultants or speakers, and participants/beneficiaries. If the program involves international travel, include a brief statement of justification for that travel.

Equipment: Describe any machinery, furniture, or other personal property that is required for the program, which has a useful life of more than one year and costs at least $5,000 per unit.

Supplies: List and describe all the items and materials, including any computer devices, that are needed for the program. If an item costs more than $5,000 per unit and has a useful life of more than one year, then put it in the budget under Equipment.

Contractual: Describe goods and services that the applicant plans to acquire through a contract with a vendor. Also describe any sub-awards to non-profit partners that will help carry out the program activities.

Other Direct Costs: Describe other costs directly associated with the program, which do not fit in the other categories. For example, shipping costs for materials and equipment or applicable taxes. All “Other” or “Miscellaneous” expenses must be itemized and explained.

Indirect Costs: These are costs that cannot be linked directly to the program activities, such as overhead costs needed to help keep the organization operating. If your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, attach a copy of your latest NICRA. Organizations that have never had a NICRA may request indirect costs of 10% of modified total direct costs as defined in 2 CFR 200.68.

Alcoholic Beverages: Award funds cannot be used for alcoholic beverages.