Supporting the Syrian Political Process NOFO.pdf

U.S. Department of State Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs

Office of Assistance Coordination Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 19.601

Supporting the Syrian Political Process Opportunity Number: SFOP0009213

Key Information:

Announcement Type: New Date Opened: September 30, 2022 Deadline for Questions: October 21, 2022 Application Deadline: November 30, 2022 Expected Date of Notification: January 31, 2023 Federal Agency Contact: NEA-Grants@state.gov

Funding Opportunity Synopsis

The Department of State’s Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, Office of Assistance Coordination (NEA/AC) aims to support programming to advance the UN-facilitated, Syrian-led negotiation process called for by UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2254 seeking a political settlement and ceasefire in Syria. This funding opportunity will support elements of UNSCR 2254 where the United States identifies a reasonable expectation of advancing a transparent and democratic political resolution to the conflict in Syria, including through support for the Constitutional Committee. It will also promote democratic practices and inclusivity in targeted areas of Syria, laying the foundation for an enduring peace. Applicants should seek to partner with a range of political process stakeholders unaffiliated with the Syrian regime as well as civil society and Syrian citizens, while prioritizing the inclusion of women, youth, and religious and ethnic minorities.

All applications must be submitted in English. Complete information on how applicants can submit proposals for this opportunity can be found in Section VI below.

Applicants should read this NOFO in its entirety before writing their proposal, and should refer to the full Evaluation Criteria provided in Section VII while drafting all materials.

Eligible Countries and Territories

In this announcement, we seek to support activities focused on Syria. The project should be implemented from a third country, with a strong justification for why that country was chosen.

NEA/AC highly recommends a presence in Berlin, Germany for operational and donor liaison purposes. NEA/AC requires that applicants be in sound legal standing with appropriate government authorities in the country where the project will be managed at the time of application to this funding opportunity. Key overseas personnel must be co-located, while consideration should be taken for minimizing the need for expatriate and/or Third-Country National staff and operational costs. Award recipients will be required to maintain legal standing throughout the life of the award, including for any sub-grant made under its auspices. Please note: Applications that focus on activities for countries and territories other than those listed will NOT be considered.

Background Information about NEA/AC

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, Office of Assistance Coordination (NEA/AC) offers Federal assistance to groups and individuals striving to bring about positive change in the Middle East-North Africa region. The Assistance Coordination Office works in 20 countries and territories, partnering with governments, civil society organizations (CSOs), community leaders, youth and women activists and private sector groups to advance their efforts. Competitively selected projects aim to foster participatory governance, economic reform, and educational advancement in response to local interest and needs.

Table of Contents

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. PROBLEM STATEMENT

B. ACHIEVABLE OBJECTIVES

C. PROJECT DESIGN

D. GENDER INTEGRATION

E. DEFINITIONS

MEASUREMENT OF RESULTS

AWARD INFORMATION

SUBSTANTIAL INVOLVEMENT

ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

B. REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS

C. ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY CONSIDERATIONS

APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

A. APPLICATION DOCUMENTS

B. APPLICATION FORMATTING REQUIREMENTS

C. SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION

D. SUBMISSION DATES AND TIMES

FUNDING LIMITATIONS, RESTRICTIONS, AND OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

A. AWARDS TO COMMERCIAL FIRMS OR FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

B. AUDIT REQUIREMENTS

C. COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE FEDERAL FUNDING REGULATIONS AND DOS TERMS AND CONDITIONS ... 19

APPLICATION REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS

A. APPLICATION EVALUATION CRITERIA

B. REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS

ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

A. AWARD NOTICES

B. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

C. TRAVEL NOTIFICATIONS

D. APPLICANT VETTING AS A CONDITION OF AWARD

E. SPECIAL PROVISION FOR PERFORMANCE IN A DESIGNATED COMBAT AREA (SPOT) REQUIREMENTS

F. BRANDING AND MARKING REQUIREMENTS FOR GRANTEES

G. UEI NUMBER REQUIREMENT FOR SUB AWARDEES

AGENCY CONTACTS

DISCLAIMER

APPENDICES (Posted with NOFO)

APPENDIX 1— Budget Sample Template and Budget Narrative Guidance APPENDIX 2— Logic Model Template APPENDIX 3— Results Monitoring Plan (RMP) Template APPENDIX 4— Application Guidance

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

The Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs’ Office of Assistance Coordination (NEA/AC) seeks proposals promoting the Syrian-led political process facilitated by the United Nations. Proposals should include activities aimed at strengthening the ability of stakeholders unaffiliated with the Syrian regime to participate in the political process established by United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2254, addressing U.S. priorities towards an eventual political solution. This may include access to relevant technical knowledge, outreach to Syrian citizens, and engagement through media platforms. In addition, activities should seek to create the conditions for peace and coexistence in selected regions of Syria outside the control of the Syrian regime. Activities should seek to ease tensions and promote cooperation between rival political groups and/or citizens across conflict lines. Other initiatives may seek to advance sub-national political reforms in ways consistent with UNSCR 2254, creating the conditions for its implementation.

NEA/AC launched a project in February 2020 informally known as “Taziz” to support U.S.

policy objectives to advance a political solution to the Syrian conflict under the auspices of UNSCR 2254. This ongoing programming has supported the United Nations Special Envoy (UNSE)-facilitated Syrian Constitutional Committee through the provision of capacity building and technical expertise. Other activities have strengthened Syrian citizen awareness of and participation in the political process more broadly through dialogue sessions involving participants in the UN-led Geneva negotiations, as well as media outreach campaigns; and have facilitated dialogue between different non-regime political groupings Programming currently occurs in non-regime held areas of Syria and among diaspora communities outside the country.

Applicants must incorporate plans for how their proposals will complement existing civilian assistance efforts, as well as incorporate NEA/AC’s role in project implementation. All applicants must take into consideration that award activities will be coordinated through the Syria Regional Platform (SRP) – an interagency U.S. government team based in Turkey and Jordan advancing U.S. Syria policy through diplomacy and foreign assistance programming.

Each applicant must present a plan for how it will be flexible and responsive to time-sensitive requirements; monitor and evaluate activities inside Syria and the diaspora; and coordinate activities with NEA/AC and other relevant U.S. government entities, as well as international donors. Applicants should consider the context of Syria’s dynamic and challenging operating environment in their proposals, especially in terms of project implementation and monitoring.

Applicants must demonstrate the ability to conduct baseline and needs assessments of potential Syrian beneficiaries. The award will be issued as a cooperative agreement, with substantial involvement from SRP and NEA/AC in the recipient’s implementation of this project. As such, SRP and NEA/AC will work closely with the recipient and provide direction regarding the design and implementation of programming as well as guidance on intended beneficiaries of assistance efforts. Such direction will include, but not be limited to, development of project activities and the selection of subrecipient organizations.

Applicants must have experience implementing programming related to peacebuilding, political transition, and stabilization efforts in conflict zones similar to Syria. This experience should include a demonstrated ability to deliver cash cross-border; provide technical assistance and training to senior political and civil society representatives; manage programming that supports competing political factions with tact and discretion; produce analytical research on aspects of the political transition process informative to a range of stakeholders including project beneficiaries, implementing partner staff, and the donor; manage strategic communications and outreach programming; manage monitoring and evaluation efforts; and adapt programming based on evaluation and learning in addition to evolving dynamics in the conflict and transition process.

A. PROBLEM STATEMENT

The Syrian conflict began in 2011 as peaceful popular demonstrations calling upon the oppressive Syrian regime led by Bashar al-Assad to reform. That year, a series of violent escalations by the regime against peaceful opposition protestors marked the beginning of the conflict that has now raged for eleven years. While conflict lines between armed actors have hardened, low-level violence persists, the humanitarian situation continues to worsen, and malign actors exploit the absence of a credible and effective national government – all to the detriment of the Syrian people. Since the passage of UNSCR 2254 in 2015, efforts by the UN to facilitate negotiations between the Syrian regime and the Syrian opposition have failed to achieve significant progress. Presently, the millions of Syrian citizens who still call for basic freedoms and dignity face a formidable foe in the Syrian regime and the apparatus of armed actors and state institutions it leverages to pursue its own ends.

The United States supports a political resolution to the Syrian conflict consistent with UNSCR 2254 as the most promising pathway to ending Syrians’ suffering. Despite the slow pace of progress through diplomatic negotiations, many Syrians nonetheless seek to hold local authorities accountable, protect and expand basic freedoms, and ease tensions among rival political factions – all efforts that create conditions for the eventual implementation of a lasting settlement. Through this funding opportunity, the Department of State invites proposed assistance interventions to support political process stakeholders (PPS) to effectively participate in UNSCR 2254 negotiations while also building a broader foundation for a more democratic, inclusive Syria.

While the Syrian regime has failed to seriously engage in UNSCR 2254 negotiations, the Syrian opposition, civil society, and other Syrian stakeholders remain willing to negotiate and work toward a solution. Negotiations through the Syrian Constitutional Committee – as well as other elements within the UNSCR 2254 mandate – may present opportunities and pathways for peace, but PPS unaffiliated with the Syrian regime are disadvantaged by a lack of resources, internal divisions, and fragmented connections between the diaspora and Syrians inside the country.

Assistance may provide tools to facilitate effective participation in such formal negotiations among PPS and also ensure that women, youth, religious and ethnic minorities, and other underrepresented groups engage substantively and decisively.

Despite the disappointing lack of progress in formal negotiations, Syrians seek other opportunities to promote democratic practices and inclusivity and lay the foundation for an enduring peace. Assistance may also create the conditions in Syria for a durable peace to take hold following progress on UNSCR 2254. This could include support for local or regional reforms in communities outside of Syrian regime control aimed at strengthening democratic practices and good governance. Additionally, divisions between Syrian political groups unaffiliated with the Syrian regime have left Syrians who advocate for change divided.

Assistance activities that ease such tensions and strengthen relationships may therefore enhance the prospects for full implementation of UNSCR 2254.

B. ACHIEVABLE OBJECTIVES

A successful proposal will demonstrate how to best approach and support the advancement of a political solution to the Syrian conflict. Proposed project activities should achieve the following objectives:

Improved capacity of civil society and political groups unaffiliated with the Syrian regime to productively engage in negotiations linked to UNSCR 2254;

More informed, diverse civil society and citizen voices contribute to a political solution to the conflict;

Enhanced democratic and good governance practices, consistent with UNSCR 2254 principles, at the sub-national level;

Engagement with diverse citizens to participate in political process dialogue and encourage Syrians to participate in shaping an enabling environment for peace; and

Increased peaceful coexistence between non-regime aligned political groups and communities affected by conflict.

C. PROJECT DESIGN

This solicitation invites applications in support of advancing a political solution to the Syrian conflict. Proposals should outline approaches to and efforts in support of the Syrian-led political process consistent with UNSCR 2254, including the Constitutional Committee. Successful proposals should provide a framework that details a clear theory of change integrating all project objectives into a coherent and convincing whole. The theory of change should advance the objectives described in section “B” above and complement related projects and programming efforts. Applicants should also articulate approaches to identify appropriate partners and relevant activities to advance project objectives that consider the political sensitives of key stakeholders.

Applicants should structure the project to effectively implement programming in areas of Syria outside the control of the Syrian regime as well as among the Syrian diaspora. Applicants should be prepared to implement activities primarily in areas of the northern Aleppo countryside such as Azaz, Marea, al-Bab, Jarablus, and the surrounding smaller population centers; and in areas of northeast Syria where the Syrian Democratic Forces maintain control such as parts of Aleppo, Raqqa, Deir Ezzour, and Hasakeh governorates. As Turkey remains a hub for Syrian opposition leaders and civil society as well as the host of about 3.7 million Syrians, applicants should also prepare to implement some activities in areas such as Istanbul and Gaziantep where substantial populations of Syrians reside. At least some programming is likely to be delivered in Geneva, Switzerland, or another site where formal negotiations occur.

Project activities should include:

a. Approaches to strengthen relationships, engagement, and outreach among Syrian PPS involved in formal negotiations (including the Constitutional Committee) and Syrian citizens (both in Syria and the diaspora);

b. Mechanisms to strengthen the media and communications capabilities of PPS;

c. Approaches to elevate the participation and voices of marginalized groups such as religious and ethnic minorities, youth, and women in the Constitutional Committee, other elements of the political process, and subnational reforms;

d. Efforts to enhance the technical capacity and skills of PPS to effectively participate in negotiations;

e. Supporting logistics for PPS to travel for participation in negotiations;

f. Activities to promote democratic reforms, greater accountability to constituents, and transparency at the sub-national level in areas outside of Syrian regime control in ways that create the conditions for the eventual implementation of UNSCR 2254; and

g. Activities to ease tensions across conflict lines in areas outside of Syrian regime control (i.e. between northeast Syria and northwest Syria) and among political groups active in those regions.

Project beneficiaries shall include, at a minimum:

a. PPS unaffiliated with the Syrian regime;

b. Syrian citizens located in areas of Syria outside of regime control where the level of risk permits the implementation of project activities such as parts of northeast Syria under the control of the Syrian Democratic Forces and the northern Aleppo countryside under the control of the Syrian National Army; and

c. Syrian citizens in the diaspora.

NEA/AC will implement this project in collaboration with other U.S. entities and international donor governments supporting the political process in Syria.

NEA/AC will require weekly reporting on project activities and standard quarterly reporting (at a minimum) in addition to ad hoc reporting requests.

The following activities and costs are NOT ALLOWED under this announcement:

Exchange activities with other countries or territories;

Social welfare projects;

Paying to complete activities begun with other funds;

Activities that appear partisan or that support individual or party electoral campaigns;

Academic or analytical research (if not necessary as part of a larger project);

Medical and psychological research and clinical studies;

Projects of a commercial or profit-making nature;

Cultural presentations, cultural research, cultural clubs, or festivals, etc.; and Entertainment costs (e.g., receptions, social activities, ceremonies, alcoholic beverages, guided tours).

NOTE: Applications that include any of these activities or costs above may be eliminated at the

Technical Eligibility Review stage and will not advance to the Merit Review Panel.

D. GENDER INTEGRATION

NEA/AC requires that all activities fully address gender considerations, ensuring that both men and women benefit from support where applicable, and that gender awareness is a built-in component of project activities. This should be documented through gender analysis in the project narrative that identifies any relevant gender gaps and ways the proposed activities will address those gaps. Proposals should demonstrate how addressing relevant gender gaps will enhance the project’s goals and objectives. Applicants who are unfamiliar with integrating gender in foreign assistance programing should view the training video located here:

https://encompassworld.com/elearningfiles/DOS/DOS_Gender_Integration_E- Course/story_html5.html

E. DEFINITIONS

The following are definitions of activities and terms detailed in this announcement:

Political process stakeholder (PPS): The term “political process stakeholder” – or PPS – is used in this document to broadly refer to Syrian citizens unaffiliated with the Syrian regime from the Syrian Opposition Coalition, the Syrian Negotiation Commission, and other political groups or civil society who play a formal or informal role advancing UN-facilitated negotiations under the UNSCR 2254 framework.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA): In accordance with Executive Order 14035, the term “diversity” means the practice of including the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, cultures, and beliefs of the American people, including underserved communities; the term “equity” means the consistent and systematic fair, just, and impartial treatment of all individuals, including individuals who belong to underserved communities that have been denied such treatment; the term “inclusion” means the recognition, appreciation, and use of the talents and skills of employees of all backgrounds; and the term “accessibility” means the design, construction, development, and maintenance of facilities, information and communication technology, programs, and services so that all people, including people with disabilities, can fully and independently use them.

MEASUREMENT OF RESULTS

Applicants shall provide a logic model with a theory of change to demonstrate how the proposed project (including activities, the project design, and the surrounding context) will achieve the stated objectives. The logic model and theory of change statements can be generated using the template in Appendix 2. Applicants shall also provide a Results Monitoring Plan (RMP) to describe how the proposed project will capture and measure data that demonstrates progress toward achieving the specific objectives of the proposed project. The RMP may also include project-specific sub-objectives (i.e. project outcomes). Please see Appendix 3 for the RMP template. Please see Section VI below for more information.

Successful applicants will work with the NEA/AC program and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) teams to finalize a RMP based on the proposed logic model to measure qualitative and quantitative indicators as part of the award negotiations process. The successful applicant will be responsible for collecting data against these indicators – which will be monitored throughout the period of performance of the award to gauge necessary modifications to the project’s design

– and assess the results of the project’s success in meeting expected outcomes.

All projects funded as a result of this NOFO will be required to complete a final evaluation of the project at the end of the period of performance with support from the NEA/AC M&E team.

Successful applicants will dedicate between 3% and 5% of their total budget to monitoring and evaluation. Selected applicants are required to have project information available for up to three years after the project closeout for the NEA/AC and SRP team to evaluate long-term outcomes.

Below is a list of U.S. Department of State standard development indicators for foreign assistance that are commonly used for measuring and reporting project results. Not all indicators below will be applicable to the proposed project, though the applicant is encouraged to use them where relevant in the development of the logic model. NEA/AC’s M&E team will work with the successful applicant on finalizing indicators as part of a results monitoring plan that will be utilized for the negotiated award.

DR.4.2-2 Number of civil society organizations (CSOs) receiving USG assistance engaged in advocacy interventions

DR.4-1 Number of USG-supported activities designed to promote or strengthen the civic participation of women

PS.6.2-1 Number of new groups or initiatives created through USG funding, dedicated to resolving the conflict or the drivers of the conflict

PS.6.2-3 Number of U.S.-supported events, trainings, or activities implemented to build support for peace or reconciliation among key actors to the conflict

PS.6.2-4 Number of people participating in U.S.-supported events, trainings, or activities designed to build mass support for peace and reconciliation

AWARD INFORMATION

Funding Mechanism Type: Cooperative Agreement

Estimated Number of Awards: One (1)

Estimated Total Program Funding: $9,000,000

Estimated Base Year Award Ceiling: $3,000,000

Estimated Base Year Award Floor: $1,000,000

Cost-Sharing or Matching: Encouraged; NOT Required

Estimated Length of Project Period: One to Three (1-3) Years

Contingent on the availability of funds, approximately $9,000,000 in Economic Support Funds for one (1) award will be awarded through this announcement. If selected to receive an award, an applicant will be awarded funds for one base year with the potential to be awarded an additional two option years, depending on the activities proposed. The estimated start date for this project is February 1, 2023.

NEA/AC reserves the right to award more or less than the estimated program funding, and reserves the right to award funding under this announcement for a period of up to two years after the announcement’s close date.

This request for full applications does not constitute an award or commitment on the part of the U.S. government to make any awards, nor does it commit the U.S. government to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of an application.

Non-Competing Continuation Continuation grants funded under these awards, beyond the initial budget period, will be contingent upon the availability of funds; grantee’s progress in meeting grant requirements, including timely submission of required reports and compliance with all terms and conditions of the award; timely submission of a request for additional funding; and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the Department of State.

Pending successful implementation of this project for the initial estimated length of time as indicated above, and pending the availability of funds in subsequent fiscal years, NEA/AC may extend this grant for additional time, not to exceed a three (3) year total project period. Please note that this NOFO requires that applicants submit additional budget materials to plan for potential out-years of non-competing continuations. See Section VI Application and Submission Information for more details.

SUBSTANTIAL INVOLVEMENT

NEA/AC and SRP will be involved in the project and management performance of this cooperative agreement through consultation and technical collaboration on project activities. It is expected that the recipient will remain adaptable to the requests of both NEA/AC and SRP team members.

NEA/AC Responsibilities Examples of NEA/AC responsibilities for a cooperative agreement may include:

Collaboration in establishing annual project objectives and approval of an annual work plan;

Collaboration in identifying and developing opportunities to expand programming;

Collaboration in identifying and designing on-the-ground activities;

Collaboration in the creation and development of training and other materials provided to beneficiaries;

Selection of local partners to implement activities as well as of project participants;

Collaboration in identifying political process stakeholders and other beneficiaries to be included in project activities; and

Facilitating coordination with other donors and related projects (including projects funded by NEA/AC and other U.S. entities).

ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

All applicants will be screened by NEA/AC to determine whether they meet all of the program eligibility requirements detailed below.

NOTE: Applications that do not demonstrate that they meet all of the eligibility requirements in Section A and Section B will not advance past the Technical Eligibility Review stage and may be deemed ineligible for funding under this announcement. Nothing can be added to an application once the competition deadline has passed.

A. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

Eligible applicants include:

- U.S. or foreign o Non-profit organizations;

o For-profit organizations;

o Private, public, or state institutions of higher education; and o Public international organizations

NEA/AC is committed to an anti-discrimination policy in all of its programs and activities.

NEA/AC welcomes applications irrespective of an applicants’ race, ethnicity, color, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. We encourage applications from organizations working with underserved communities, including women, people with disabilities, and youth.

NEA/AC strongly encourages applications from civil society organizations headquartered in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. International non-governmental organizations with principal bases of operations outside the Middle East and North Africa are also encouraged to apply, but the percentage of total budget actually spent in the region through local partners will be among the elements of evaluation for this competition.

A.1. Prime Applicant To be considered for funding under this opportunity, applicants SHALL:

Have demonstrable previous experience working in the MENA region and organizational capacity to implement project components in Syria. This should be addressed within the project narrative section of your application.

Have experience in conducting risk assessments and monitoring and evaluating projects and sub-recipients in order to document and assess the short- and long-term outcomes of proposed projects.

Demonstrate the ability to effectively work through extensive partnerships with diverse Syrian political actors and implement activities inside non-regime held areas of Syria.

Demonstrate the ability to advance Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) through a project team inclusive of Syrian nationals with previous experience managing stabilization programming in the region reflected at all levels of project management.

Meet ALL of the registration requirements listed below.

Meet any requirements listed as MANDATORY in Additional Eligibility Considerations, below.

Additionally, applicants should:

Demonstrate experience implementing similar projects in Syria or other conflict areas.

Demonstrate experience managing and monitoring a significant number of sub-recipients and/or direct assistance projects. Applications should clearly outline this experience, including total volume (total dollar amount, number of partners, and number of projects), scope and length of sub-awards managed, and geographic and thematic focus. If the applicant has provided capacity-building support to sub-recipients, please indicate the type of support.

Demonstrate in the project and budget narratives how the assistance mechanism will be managed, monitored, and evaluated to ensure compliance with the project objectives and Federal regulations. The successful applicant will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of all sub-recipients, and/or other direct assistance to ensure completion of activities, programmatic efficacy, institutional strengthening, and financial propriety.

Demonstrate the ability to accomplish the required activities with efficient staffing and without establishing a dedicated local office in Syria.

Demonstrate the ability to involve local partners.

Demonstrate the ability to recruit/hire technical consultants with subject matter expertise relevant to prospective beneficiaries involved in Syrian political process negotiations.

Demonstrate a successful track record of building a cohesive and effective team consisting of diverse and geographically dispersed members and clear plan for continuing success under this funding opportunity.

A.2. Local Partners Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit projects that include partnerships with local organizations that would work together on specific programmatic objectives or priorities and that utilize local expertise. In particular, NEA/AC strongly encourages applicants not based in the MENA region to partner with local organizations working in or on Syria.

B. REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS

To apply for NEA/AC (Federal) funding, organizations, whether based in or outside the U.S., must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number and an active account with the System for Award Management (SAM). Applicants who do not meet all registration requirements are NOT eligible for funding under the opportunity.

UEI Number

All applicants must have a Unique Entity Identification (UEI) number.

On and after April 4, 2022, entities can register in SAM.gov and will be assigned their Unique Entity ID (SAM) within SAM.gov. Entities will no longer obtain or use a UEI (DUNS) for entity registration or reporting.

System for Award Management (SAM) SAM is a U.S. government wide registry of vendors doing business with the Federal government and requires annual renewal. The system centralizes information about grant applicants/recipients, and provides a central location for grant applicants/recipients to change organizational information.

Further, each applicant must maintain an active account, with current information, while its application is under consideration for funding. To keep an active SAM.gov account, an applicant must renew it at least once each year. If an organization’s account expires, the organization cannot submit a grant application until it is renewed.

To create a new SAM account, go to https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration.

Organizations must have a UEI number and a CAGE number (US Domestic Organizations) or a NCAGE number (Foreign Organizations), to create an account. The CAGE code will be issued by SAM.gov. Overseas entities must request a NCAGE code at https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/Codification/CageTool/request-new-cage.

For help with SAM.gov, please visit their support page at https://www.fsd.gov or contact them at: 866-606-8220 (U.S.) or +1-334-206-7828 (international).

Note: Obtaining an active SAM.gov registration may take 12-15 business days to complete the process of creating an account in the system.

C. ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY CONSIDERATIONS

C.1 Cost-Sharing or Matching There is no minimum or maximum percentage required for this competition. However, NEA/AC encourages applicants to provide maximum levels of cost sharing and funding in support of its projects.

Cost-sharing or matching is not an evaluation criteria of this NOFO.

C.2 Host Country Legal Compliance NEA/AC requires that applicants be in sound legal standing with appropriate host government authorities at the time of application to this funding opportunity. If the applicant is not currently based in Berlin, Germany and intends to operate from that location, they should demonstrate the ability to establish a base there in a timely manner following notification of the award. Award recipients will be required to maintain legal standing throughout the life of the award, including for any sub-grant made under its auspices.

APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

A. APPLICATION DOCUMENTS

All applications must include the application components detailed below. All application documents must be submitted in English. Applicants may submit only one (1) application.

Please refer to Section B below for additional submissions guidance and requirements.

NOTE: Applications that do not include all the required documentation described in Section 1 below will not advance past the Technical Eligibility Review stage. Further, applications that exceed the allowable page limits will not be reviewed by the review panel.

Applicants may not add any materials to an application once it has been submitted and the competition deadline has passed.

A.1. Required Documents Federal Assistance Application Forms (SF-424 and SF424a) Applicants must complete each of these forms online to be considered for funding. Guidance on how to complete the SF-424 and SF424a is provided in Appendix 4.

NOTE: In addition to following all guidance outlined below regarding application materials, applicants are strongly encouraged to review the Application Evaluation Criteria section of this NOFO closely as they prepare their proposal. The Evaluation Criteria section is the rubric by which each application will be scored.

Project Narrative The Project Narrative describes the efforts the applicant will undertake to address the priorities and goals of this announcement. This section of the application may be no longer than 12 pages. More details on preparing the Project Narrative are provided in Appendix 4. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review Appendix 4 before preparing their Narrative.

Budget & Budget Narrative Submission Applicants must provide the following three elements as part of their budget submission:

Summary Budget Detailed Line Item Budget Budget Narrative

A detailed budget for 12 months is required as well as a notional budget for two additional out (option) years, with each option period being one year. The option periods should be their own detailed tabs (one year per tab) within the budget.

There is no page limit for this section of an application. A sample fillable template can be found in Appendix 1. This template includes three tabs: The first tab includes written guidance on preparing the Budget Narrative. Applicants are strongly encouraged to create their Budget Narrative in Word and submit as either a Word Doc or PDF file. Please note that the Budget Narrative should include designations of who is considered Key Personnel for this project. As defined in the Department of State Standard Terms and Conditions (for assistance awards, Key Personnel means, “…key professional and supervisory personnel; i.e., the members of the professional staff in a program supervisory position engaged for or assigned to duties under the award.” The second tab has the template for the Summary Budget. This tab will auto-fill as you complete the Detailed Line Item Budget, which can be found on the third tab.

The third tab is where you can fill in the template for the Detailed Line Item Budget as stated above. NOTE: Applicants are strongly encouraged to use the same format as provided in the template, and to submit summary and detailed line item budgets in Excel form, and the Budget Narrative as either a PDF or Word file. If the applicant does not use the template, the applicant must ensure that their submission includes all elements outlined in the sample. The template, which includes more detailed instructions, can be found in Appendix 1. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review Appendix 1 before preparing their Budget and Budget Narrative.

Logic Model and Theory of Change Applicants shall provide a logic model and theory of change statement to demonstrate how the proposed project (including activities, the project design, and the surrounding context) will achieve the stated objectives. A theory of change statement describes how and why a program is expected to achieve its stated outcomes using if-then language. The logic model and theory of change statements can be generated using the template in Appendix 2. NOTE: Applicants are strongly encouraged to use the same format as found in the sample. If the applicant does not use the template, the applicant must ensure that their submission includes all elements outlined in the sample. This section of the application may be no longer than 3 pages.

Results Monitoring Plan Applicants shall provide a Results Monitoring Plan (RMP). The RMP can be generated using the template in Appendix 3. NOTE: Applicants are strongly encouraged to use the same format as found in the sample. If the applicant does not use the template, the applicant must ensure that their submission includes all elements outlined in the sample. The RMP shall be submitted as a separate document from the Logic Model and Theory of Change. There is no page limit for this section of the application.

Project Timeline Applicants must provide an overall breakdown of the order and timeframe in which all project activities will take place. This item should provide a macro snapshot of what will take place from beginning to end of the project. Applicants must ensure that the timeline of activities/events corresponds with details provided in the Project Narrative and Logic Model/Theory of Change. This section of the application may not exceed 2 pages.

Security, Risk Mitigation, & Contingency Planning Summary This item should provide detail regarding the applicant’s intended due diligence to assess and mitigate risks, and put in place adequate security measures to ensure the safety and well-being of project staff, participants, and partners, if applicable. This should include specific actions by the applicant to ensure risks are adequately and routinely assessed, and that security measures are commensurate with operational concerns specific to the locale. The applicant should also include a contingency plan that highlights potential challenges and limitations to project implementation in the operating environment and propose contingency plans should program activities be impacted. Please note that this section should not be limited to physical security and risk but should cover any applicable factors relevant to the given operating environment. This section of the application may be no longer than 5 pages.

Project Organizational Chart The organizational chart outlines the clear lines of responsibility and authority in the applicant organization to include budgeted level of effort listed by each person. All proposed staff for the project shall be included, with location detailed. This section of the application may be no longer than 1 page.

Job Descriptions/Biographical Info for Key Personnel Positions For each position designated as key personnel for this project, applicants must provide the following:

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

OR

2. If the person to fill a key position has not yet been hired: Provide a brief 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 sub-grant partner(s) as part of their project design, Key Personnel/Positions of the sub-grantee must also be included. This section of the application may be no longer than 5 pages.

Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement NOTE: This item is required only IF applicable. Applicants proposing indirect costs in the budget greater than a 10% de minimis rate must provide a copy of their Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA). There is no page limit for this section of the application.

A.2. Optional Documents Applicants may submit additional documents for consideration with their application. These documents are not required, though if any are submitted, they will need to be submitted as one attachment. This section of the application may be no longer than 10 pages.

NOTE: Applicants must adhere to all maximum allowed page counts. Applications that exceed any of the allowable page limits will not advance past the Technical Eligibility Review stage.

B. APPLICATION FORMATTING REQUIREMENTS

The required font is 12-point, Times New Roman. All application documents must be single spaced, with all margins (left, right, top, and bottom) of at least one inch each. Also, applicants should ensure all pages in the application package are numbered consecutively and meet the page limit requirements outlined in Section VI above. The Standard Forms 424 (SF-424 and SF- 424a) are excluded from the page numbering.

It is strongly recommended that applicants submit grant applications using Microsoft Office. If applicants do not have access to Microsoft Office products, Adobe PDF files may be submitted.

C. SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION

Applicants must submit their application electronically using SAMS Domestic. Applications will NOT be accepted from grants.gov. SAMS Domestic requires that the applying organization have an account with the system and both require a UEI number and SAM.gov account as detailed in Section V. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure they have an active account and will be able to submit its application. NEA/AC is not in a position to grant exceptions to these requirements.

The application process is not complete until the applicant receives notification that its application has been validated and forwarded to the granting agency (NEA/AC). Please allow sufficient time for entering the application into these systems. It is the responsibility of the applicant to monitor its application to ensure that it is successfully received and validated.

SAMS Domestic SAMS Domestic is a comprehensive grants management system that allows applicants to apply for, manage, and report on the use of U.S. government funds for multiple projects, accessed online at mygrants.service-now.com.

To create an account, go to https://afsitsm.servicenowservices.com/ilms/, and click the “create an account” hyperlink, located above the user name prompt. Users will be directed to a page entitled “User Registration Request;” complete the online form and click the “Submit” button. Users will receive an activation email entitled “Verify Your Grants Account Registration;” click the activation link within the email to receive a username and password.

SAMS Domestic has Quick Tours available to educate users about the system. These documents can be found on the Support tab upon logging into the system.

For questions regarding creating an account or using SAMS Domestic to submit an application, contact the ILMS Help Desk. The Help Desk is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, excluding Federal holidays. The ILMS Help Desk utilizes a user-facing ticketing interface that allows users to submit and monitor their SAMS Domestic tickets. The ILMS Self Service Portal can be accessed by going to https://afsitsm.servicenowservices.com/ilms/.

ILMS Help Desk

(888) 313-ILMS (4567)

https://afsitsm.servicenowservices.com/ilms/

D. SUBMISSION DATES AND TIMES

Applications must be time stamped before 17:00:00 eastern time (ET) on November 30, 2022. There will be no grace period, and any application not received by the application deadline will be deemed ineligible and will not advance to be reviewed. Each applicant is encouraged to submit an application far enough in advance of the deadline so that the applicant can alert NEA/AC (nea-grants@state.gov) of any technical difficulties and allow sufficient time to resolve difficulties before the deadline. Although NEA/AC will work with applicants to resolve technical issues, it is not in a position to grant exceptions to the submission requirements outlined in this announcement.

FUNDING LIMITATIONS, RESTRICTIONS, AND OTHER

CONSIDERATIONS

A. AWARDS TO COMMERCIAL FIRMS OR FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

The Department of State prohibits profit under its assistance awards to commercial organizations. No funds will be paid as profit to any recipient that is a commercial organization.

Profit is defined as any amount in excess of allowable direct and indirect costs. 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 31. Program income earned by the recipient may be:

added to the total of the amount of this award, including the required cost sharing or matching, and use it to further eligible project objectives;

used to meet the Recipient’s cost sharing or matching requirement;

OR deducted from the total project or program allowable cost in determining the net allowable costs on which the federal share of costs is based.

B. AUDIT REQUIREMENTS

Domestic and foreign organizations that expend $750,000 or more in a fiscal year in federal assistance must perform an independent, recipient-contracted Single Audit or Program Specific Audit. (Program-specific Audit means an audit of one Federal award program. Single Audit means an audit which includes both the entity’s financial statements and the Federal Awards to be conducted in accordance with Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS). The audits must be independently and professionally executed in accordance with GAGAS either prescribed by a government’s Supreme Audit Institution with auditing standards approved by the Comptroller General of the United States, or the host country’s laws or adopted by the host country’s public accountants or associations of public accountants, together with generally accepted international auditing standards. However, foreign entity audits consistent with International Standards for Auditing or other auditing standards are acceptable with the Grants Officer’s approval. More information can be found at https://www.gao.gov/assets/700/693136.pdf

For sub-non-Federal entities expending $750,000 or more in Department of State award funding during their fiscal year, Department of State standard audit provisions require that Prime non- Federal entities certify that audits of sub-non-Federal entities are performed annually and according to the standards described above. The cost of audits required under this policy may be charged either as an allowable direct cost to the award OR included in the organizations established indirect costs in the award’s detailed budget.

C. COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE FEDERAL FUNDING REGULATIONS AND DOS

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Payment of funds awarded under this Notice of Funding Opportunity will not be disbursed until the DOS has been assured that the Recipient’s financial management system will provide effective control over and accountability for all Federal funds in accordance with 2 CFR 200 and 2 CFR 600 as applicable. Awards issued under this NOFO are subject to the Department of State Standard Terms and Conditions (https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/U.S.- Department-of-State-Standard-Terms-and-Conditions-10-01-2019508.pdf) and 2 CFR 200 and 2 CFR 600 as applicable.

APPLICATION REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS

A. APPLICATION EVALUATION CRITERIA

Achievable Objectives (25 points) Each of the project objectives listed above (in Section I) are clearly addressed.

Impact and Effectiveness: The applicant describes the project’s potential contribution to solving the problem addressed in the problem statement and achieving results. This should focus on realistic and achievable objectives given project resources within the broader problem set of Syrian political transition.

Timeframe: The applicant describes realistic results to be accomplished within the timeframe of the proposed award.

Beneficiaries: The applicant clearly identifies the anticipated beneficiaries and explains how the project’s objectives will positively affect them. Anticipated beneficiaries should include Syrian political groups, civil society stakeholders, as well as Syrian citizens in targeted communities – to include but not limited to those detailed in section I., E., Geographic Scope of Project Activities – in areas of Syria outside of regime control.

Milestones: The applicant provides realistic milestones to indicate progress toward goals and objectives as described in the program announcement.

M&E: The applicant explains how monitoring and evaluation activities…