U.S. India Sports Technology Dialogues and Innovation Program.docx

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

U.S.–India Sports Technology Dialogues and Innovation Program

New Delhi, India, Department of State Opportunity number: ND-NOFO-26-102 Application deadline: June 20, 2026 [11:59 pm midnight Washington DC]

Contents

U.S Department of State U.S. Embassy New Delhi, India, Notice of Funding Opportunity

A. Basic Information

1. Overview

Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative Agreement

Project Performance Period: Proposed projects should be completed in 18 months or less.

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

This notice is subject to availability of funding.

2. Executive Summary Priority Region: India

Executive Summary The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi announces an open competition for organizations to implement the U.S.–India Sports Technology Partnership Program. This initiative supports “Mission 500,” the mandate to double bilateral trade between the United States and India to $500 billion by 2030 and is designed to establish a disciplined commercial pipeline for American innovation.

Through national dialogues, applied demonstrations, and targeted engagement activities held across multiple cities across India (including but not limited to New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Guwahati, Aizwal, Mumbai and Hyderabad) the program will connect Indian sports authorities, professional leagues, sports medicine institutions, and sports innovation stakeholders with U.S. experts, companies, and research institutions.

The program supports U.S. foreign policy priorities to promote American innovation, expand international commercial opportunities for U.S. firms, and reinforce U.S. leadership in emerging technology sectors. Activities should leverage global sports milestones—including the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games—as platforms to highlight American excellence in sports performance technology, data analytics, and sports medicine.

Proposals should engage senior sports administrators, sports technology innovators, sports medicine practitioners, and institutional decision-makers responsible for selecting technology partners, training systems, and innovation platforms within India’s sports ecosystem.

Successful proposals will demonstrate clear pathways to:

· Increase familiarity with U.S. sports technology systems and applied sports science approaches

· Facilitate engagement between Indian institutions and U.S. experts and companies

· Encourage follow-on technical discussions, pilot exploration, and evaluation of U.S. sports technology solutions

B. Eligibility

1. Eligible Applicants The following organizations are eligible to apply: include all that apply, and indicate US, foreign, or both. For example:

· Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations

· Public and private educational institutions

· For-profit organizations (only if allowed by appropriation - not for PD funds)

· Individuals

· Public International Organizations and Governmental institutions

2. Cost Sharing or Matching Cost sharing is not required under this funding opportunity. However, applicants are encouraged to demonstrate additional institutional support, including in-kind contributions or complementary funding, where appropriate.

3. (i) Other Eligibility Requirements All organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) issued via SAM.gov as well as a valid registration in SAM.gov. Please see Section D.3 for more information. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov.

(ii) India-based organization should be FCRA compliant.

Applicants should be familiar with India’s Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) and confirm their ability to meet all proposed program requirements and expectations.

4. This opportunity will not support:

· Projects relating to partisan political activity;

· Charitable or development activities; including direct social services such as medical, psychological, and/or humanitarian support

· Construction projects;

· Projects that support specific religious activities;

· Fund-raising campaigns;

· Lobbying for specific legislation or programs

· Scientific research or surveys;

· Commercial projects;

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

· Projects that duplicate existing projects;

· Projects that are not in compliance with the Mexico City Policy; or

· Illegal activities

Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization. If more than one proposal is submitted from an organization, all proposals from that institution will be considered ineligible for funding.

C. Program Description

1. Goals and Objectives The goal of this program is to increase U.S. sports technology, sports analytics systems, and sports medicine capabilities among Indian sports institutions and decision-makers.

By the end of the program period, award recipients should achieve the following outcomes:

· At least 450 Indian sports decision-makers and implementers directly engage with U.S. experts, companies, or institutions through program activities

· Participants demonstrate increased awareness and understanding of U.S. sports technology systems and sports performance science approaches

· Indian institutions initiate follow-on technical discussions, pilot exploration, or partnership engagement with U.S. organizations

Target Audiences Primary Audience

· Sports Authority of India and state sports authorities

· Professional sports leagues, clubs, and franchise operators

· University-based sports science institutes and innovation centers

Secondary Audience

· Sports technology startups and systems integrators

· Sports medicine practitioners and rehabilitation specialists

· Coaches and high-performance staff

· Venture capital funds and sports innovation investors

Program Activities Applicants should design programs that introduce Indian sports decision-makers to the practical applications of U.S. sports technology, sports analytics systems, and sports medicine capabilities through structured engagement activities.

Programs should include sports technology dialogues in priority cities, including New Delhi and major sports hubs such as Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Guwahati, and Aizawl. These dialogues should convene Indian sports authorities, league representatives, sports innovation leaders, and other key stakeholders with U.S. experts to promote collaboration and showcase American sports technology and innovation. U.S. speakers may include sports envoys, university faculty, researchers, sports medicine specialists and industry practitioners who can demonstrate how American sports technology systems are used in real-world sports environments to improve performance, safety, and decision-making. These engagements should introduce U.S. expertise to national and regional sports stakeholders and help identify Indian institutions interested in further evaluating U.S. sports technology solutions.

Applicants should also incorporate applied demonstrations or technical briefings that allow participants to observe how U.S. sports technology systems operate in practice. These demonstrations may include virtual or in-person presentations, guided demonstrations of sports analytics tools, or discussions of real-world applications in athlete performance, injury prevention, and sports management.

Where feasible, programs may align activities with regional sports ecosystems across India. Illustrative examples could include cricket analytics and performance tracking tools in major cricket hubs such as Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, or New Delhi; sports broadcasting and fan engagement technologies in leading media markets such as Mumbai or other major urban centers; sports analytics and sports medicine applications in cities with strong sports institutions; and artificial intelligence–driven analytics or data integration initiatives in technology hubs such as Hyderabad, Bengaluru, or other emerging innovation centers.

Programs may also incorporate targeted innovation showcase sessions highlighting U.S. companies, universities, or research centers that offer sports technology solutions relevant to Indian institutional needs. These sessions should focus on practical demonstrations and structured engagement rather than large-scale expos.

Applicants should include outreach and communications strategies designed to amplify program visibility and strengthen awareness of U.S. leadership in sports technology and innovation.

1. Goals and Objectives The goal of this program is to increase of U.S. sports technology, sports analytics systems, and sports medicine capabilities among Indian sports institutions and decision-makers.

By the end of the program period, award recipients should achieve the following outcomes:

· At least 450 Indian sports decision-makers and implementers directly engage with U.S. experts, companies, or institutions.

· Participants demonstrate increased awareness and understanding of U.S. sports technology systems and capabilities.

· Indian institutions initiate follow-on technical discussions, pilot collaborations, or partnership exploration with U.S. organizations.

Target Audiences Primary Audience:

· Sports Authority of India and state sports authorities/ associations

· Professional sports leagues and franchise operators

· University-based sports science institutes, Corporate CSR Wings, and Private Foundations focusing on sports

Secondary Audience:

· Sports technology startups, EdTech and skill development platforms

· and systems integrators

· Sports medicine practitioners

· Coaches and high-performance staff

· Venture capital and sports innovation investors

Program Activities Applicants should propose activities such as:

· National sports technology dialogues and conferences

· Demonstrations of U.S. sports analytics and training systems

· Expert exchanges with U.S. sports technology specialists

· Innovation showcases highlighting U.S. sports tech companies

· Pilot projects linking Indian institutions with U.S. technology providers

· Workshops on sports performance science and athlete health

Applicants should include outreach and communications strategies to amplify program impact.

2. Substantial Involvement Recipient Responsibilities

· Program Design and Partnerships

· Collaborate with the U.S. Government (USG) to develop program themes, formats, and delivery methods.

· Identify and propose American experts, partners, and participants in consultation with the USG.

· Build partnerships with relevant institutions and stakeholders to strengthen program reach and impact.

· Program Implementation and Logistics

· Manage all logistical aspects of program delivery, including scheduling, venues, participant recruitment, and event coordination at the American Center or partner institutions.

· Implement agreed-upon grant activities at external venues and ensure appropriate audience participation.

· Coordinate with local partners and vendors, incorporating USG guidance when subcontracting.

· Communications and Outreach

· Promote programs to target audiences in coordination with the U.S. Mission to India Public Diplomacy team.

· Develop communications plans, including social media and press engagement.

· Prepare branding and promotional materials for USG review and approval.

· Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

· Develop and implement monitoring and evaluation (M&E) plans, including participant surveys, for USG review and approval.

· Support program monitoring activities, including spot surveys and impact assessments as requested by the USG.

· Submit quarterly reports detailing program activities, outcomes, and lessons learned.

· Collect and share content highlighting U.S.–India sports collaboration.

U.S. Government (USG) Responsibilities

· Strategic Direction and Coordination

· Provide strategic guidance to ensure the program aligns with U.S. public diplomacy priorities in India.

· Collaborate with the recipient on program concepts, formats, and priority locations.

· Review and Approval

· Review and approve key program elements, including venues, speakers, participants, communications materials, and event formats.

· Provide input at key planning stages to ensure alignment with program objectives and standards.

· Vet proposed U.S. institutions, companies, or experts participating in the program.

· Expert Engagement and Messaging

· Facilitate participation by U.S. government officials, experts, alumni, and institutional partners, as available.

· Advise on and approve communication strategies and messaging to highlight U.S. leadership and bilateral cooperation.

· Ensure program messaging aligns with major milestones (e.g., FIFA 2026, LA28, Freedom 250).

· Oversight and Monitoring

· Review and approve monitoring and evaluation plans.

· Conduct oversight through program evaluations, site visits, and monitoring activities.

· Coordinate with other U.S. missions and internal sections to maximize program impact.

D. Application Contents and Format 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 American English

· All budgets are in U.S. dollars. Use USD 1 = INR 92 for conversions, where required.

· All pages are numbered

· All applicant authorized signatures are provided where indicated on the various, required forms

The following documents are required:

1. Mandatory application forms

· SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance – organizations) or SF-424-I (Application for Federal Assistance --individuals)

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

· SF-424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs). (note: the SF-424B is only required for individuals, organizations exempt from registration, and for organizations not required to fully register in SAM.gov)

You can complete these forms online when preparing your application on MyGrants. (https://mygrants.servicenowservices.com/mygrants) or www.Grants.gov. If you need to download a copy of these forms you can find them at: https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository.

2. Proposal (10 pages maximum) The proposal should contain sufficient information that anyone not familiar with it would understand exactly what the applicant wants to do. You may use your own proposal format, but it must include all the items below.

· Proposal Summary: Short narrative that outlines the proposed project, including project objectives and anticipated impact.

· Introduction to the Organization or Individual applying: A description of past and present operations, showing ability to carry out the program, including information on all previous grants from the State Department and/or U.S. government agencies.

· Problem Statement: Clear, concise and well-supported statement of the problem to be addressed and why the proposed program is needed

· Project Goals and Objectives: The “goals” describe what the program is intended to achieve. The “objectives” refer to the intermediate accomplishments on the way to the goals. These should be achievable and measurable.

· Project Activities: Describe the program activities and how they will help achieve the objectives.

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

· Proposed Project Schedule and Timeline: The proposed timeline for the program activities. Include the dates, times, and locations of planned activities and events.

· 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 this program?

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

· Project Monitoring and Evaluation Plan: Proposals must include a draft Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP). The M&E PMP should show how applicants intend to measure and demonstrate progress towards the project’s objectives and goals. Attachment 3 of this funding opportunity contains a template that may be used to fulfill this requirement. While the grantee is free to create their own template, completing Attachment 3 will ensure a thorough PMP.

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

The key components to the PMP are as follows:

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

· Theory of Change Diagram: Applicants are expected to submit either a Theory of Change diagram or an If-Then Statement that illustrates how project activities will lead to intended outcomes. Attachment 3 includes a suggested format for these requirements.

· Monitoring and Evaluation Datasheet: The applicant must include their proposed activities and their expected outputs and outcomes as well as the goals and objectives as written in the NOFO. The datasheet’s purpose is to explicitly illustrate how a project’s activities lead to tangible results (such as increased beneficiary skills, knowledge, or attitudes) that ultimately address a PDS objective. For more information, please see Attachment 3.1: Instructions.

· The selected applicant’s M&E PMP is subject to review and approval before any award will be issued under this NOFO. The selected applicant will be required to work with the Public Diplomacy Section’s Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist to ensure the applicant’s M&E PMP achieves an expected level of expertise and meets PDS objectives.

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

3. Budget Justification Narrative

· Detailed Budget - Applicants must submit a detailed line-item budget. Applicants are encouraged to utilize the template provided with the funding opportunity but are not required to do so (Attachment 4). Line-item expenditures should be listed in the greatest possible detail. The budget must identify the total amount of funding requested, with a breakdown of amounts to be spent in the following budget categories: personnel; fringe benefits; travel; equipment; supplies; consultants/contracts; other direct costs; and indirect costs. See Annex Section I for a description of the types of costs that should be included in each category. Personnel salaries should include the level of effort and the rate of pay, which should cover the percentage of time each staff member will dedicate to grant-based activities. If an organization is charging an indirect cost rate without a NICRA, it must apply it to the modified total budget costs (MTDC), refer to 2CFR§200.1. Budgets shall be submitted in U.S. dollars and final grant agreements will be conducted in U.S. dollars.

· Budget Justification Narrative – Applicants must submit a budget justification narrative to accompany the detailed line-item budget. The purpose of the budget justification narrative is to supplement the information provided in the detailed budget spreadsheet by justifying how the budget cost elements are necessary to implement project objectives and accomplish the project goals. The budget justification narrative is a tool to help Embassy staff fully understand the budgetary needs of the applicant and is an opportunity to provide descriptive information about the requested costs beyond the constraints of the budget template. Together, the detailed budget spreadsheet, the budget justification narrative, and the SF-424A should provide a complete financial and qualitative description that supports the proposed project plan and should be directly relatable to the specific project components described in the applicant’s proposal.

Additional Budget Notes:

· Audit Requirements: Please note the audit requirements for Department of State awards in the Standard Terms and Conditions https://www.state.gov/m/a/ope/index.htm and 2CFR200, Subpart F – Audit Requirements. The cost of the required audits may be charged either as an allowable direct cost to the award OR included in the organization’s established indirect costs in the award’s detailed budget.

· Visa Fees: Include all visa application and related fees in your budget as applicable. Please note DS-2019s for post-funded programs must be submitted directly by the award recipient. If you anticipate your program will include the DS-2019 visa processing, your organization must be a registered Designated Sponsoring Organization. For more information go to: https://j1visa.state.gov/sponsors/become-a-sponsor/

4. Attachments

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

· Letters of support from program partners: Letters of support should be included for sub-recipients or other partners. The letters must identify the type of relationship to be entered into (formal or informal), the roles and responsibilities of each partner in relation to the proposed project activities, and the expected result of the partnership. The individual letters cannot exceed 1 page in length.

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

· Proof of Non-profit Status: Documentation to demonstrate the applicant’s non-profit status (e.g., U.S.-based organizations should submit a copy of their 501(c)(3) Internal Revenue Service determination letter, and non-U.S. organizations should provide evidence of non-profit status issued by a government entity).

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

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

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

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

c. Copies of other relevant organizational policies or documentation that would help the Department determine your organization’s capacity to manage a federal grant award overseas

d. Documentation that demonstrates the recipients’ plan and/or policy to safeguard PII of participants and beneficiaries. It is the responsibility of the recipient to ensure protection of personally identifiable information (PII) and safeguard PII when collecting, maintaining, using and disseminating such information

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

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

E. Submission Requirements and Deadlines

1. Address to Request Application Package Application forms required above are available at Embassy website, MyGrants and www.Grants.gov.

2. Department of State Contacts If you have any questions about the grant application process, please contact: ND_GrantApplications@state.gov

3. Unique entity identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov)

Required Registration: All organizations, whether based in the United States or in another country, must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration in 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.

An applicant must maintain an active registration while it has a proposal under review by the Department and must continue to keep the registration active for the entire duration of the period of performance of any Federal award that results from this NOFO.

The 2 CFR 200 also requires subrecipients to obtain a UEI. Please note the UEI for subrecipients is not required at the time of application but will be required before an award is processed and/or directed to a subrecipient.

Note: The process of obtaining or renewing a SAM.gov registration may take anywhere from 4-8 weeks. Please begin your registration as early as possible.

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

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

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

Organizations based outside of the United States and that DO NOT plan to do business with the DoD should follow the below instructions:

· Step 1: Proceed to SAM.gov to obtain a UEI and complete the SAM.gov registration process. SAM.gov registration must be renewed annually.

Exemptions An exemption from the UEI and sam.gov registration requirements may be permitted on a case-by-case basis. See 2 CFR 25.110 for a full list of exemptions.

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.

Please note: 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.”

4. Submission Dates and Times Applications are due no later than June 20, 2026 [11:59 pm midnight Washington DC].

Submission Method A: Submitting all application materials through MyGrants or www.Grants.gov.

For those opting to apply through MyGrants, thorough instructions on the application process are available at MyGrants. For questions relating to MyGrants, please call the ILMS/MyGrants Support Desk at 1-888-313-4567 or visit MyGrants.

Please note that ND_GrantApplications@state.gov is unable to assist with technical questions or problems applicants experience with MyGrants portal or Grants.gov.

Submission Method B: Submitting all application materials directly to the following email address: ND_GrantApplications@state.gov. Applicants opting to submit applications via email must include the Funding Opportunity Title and Funding Opportunity Number in the subject line of the email.

5. Funding Restrictions

i. Funding Restrictions for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA): None of the funds awarded resulting from this Notice of Funding Opportunity may be made available for subawards, direct financial support, or otherwise used to provide any payment or transfer to United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).

ii. Certification Regarding Compliance with Applicable Federal Anti-Discrimination Laws” If the place of performance or delivery of any award made under this NOFO will be within the United States, applicants are advised that they will be required to certify the following at the time of award:

a. Its compliance in all respects with all applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws is material to the government’s payment decisions for purposes of section 3729(b)(4) of title 31, United States Code and;

b. It does not operate any programs promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion that violate any applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws. A program promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion means a program whose purpose is to promote preferences based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origins, such as in training or hiring.

iii. Certification Regarding Compliance with 20 U.S.C. 1011f and any other applicable foreign funding disclosure requirements: Applicants are advised that IHEs must certify the following at the time of award, and that this certification requirement must be included in any subaward agreements to IHEs:

a. Its compliance in all respects with section 1011f of title 20, United States Code, and any other applicable foreign funding disclosure requirements is material for purposes of section 3729 of title 31, United States Code, and for receipt of appropriate Federal grant funds.

b. Applicants seeking clarification on the reporting requirement are encouraged to review the Frequently Asked Questions resource developed by the U.S. Department of Education.

iv. Certification of Trafficking in Persons Compliance and Compliance Plan: Applicants are advised that they will be required to certify the following at the time of award for awards where the estimated value of services to be performed outside the United States exceeds $500,000:

a. To the best of the Recipient’s knowledge, neither the Recipient, nor any subrecipient, contractor, or subcontractor of the Recipient or any agent of the recipient or of such a subrecipient, contractor, or subcontractor, is engaged in any of the activities described in 2 CFR 175.105(a);

b. The recipient has implemented a Trafficking in Persons compliance plan to prevent activities described in 2 CFR 175(a) and is compliant with this plan; and the compliance plan must follow the minimum requirements described in 2 CFR 175(b)(5).

c. That the Recipient has and will implement procedures to prevent activities described in 2 CFR 175.105(a) and to monitor, detect, and terminate any subrecipient, contractor, subcontractor, or employee of the recipient engaging in these activities.

d. Recipients do not need to submit a copy of the plan. However, they must provide it to the Grants Officer upon request, and as appropriate, must post the useful and relevant contents of the plan or related materials on its website and at the workplace. Recipients must re-certify on an annual basis for the entire award period of performance.

v. Prohibition on Unmanned Aircraft Systems Manufactured or Assembled by American Security Drone Act-Covered Foreign Entities

(a) Definitions.

(b) American Security Drone Act-covered foreign entity means an entity included on a list developed and maintained by the Federal Acquisition Security Council (FASC) and published in the System for Award Management (SAM) at https://www.sam.gov

(c) FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system means an unmanned aircraft system manufactured or assembled by an American Security Drone Act-covered foreign entity.

(d) Unmanned aircraft means an aircraft that is operated without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft .

(e) Unmanned aircraft system means an unmanned aircraft and associated elements (including communication links and the components that control the unmanned aircraft) that are required for the operator to operate safely and efficiently in the national airspace system.

b. (b) Prohibition. Recipients of funding under this Notice of Funding Opportunity (including subawards and subcontracts issued by the recipient) will be prohibited from:

(1) delivering any FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system, which includes unmanned aircraft (i.e., drones) and associated elements;

(b) (2)Operating a FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system in the performance of the award; and

(c) (3) Using Federal funds for the purchase or operation of a FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system .

c. c) Exemptions, exceptions, and waivers. The prohibitions described above will not apply if the agency determines that an exemption, exception, or waiver applies and the award indicates that such a determination has been made. [See sections 1823 through 1825 and 1832 of Public Law 118-31 ( 41 U.S.C. 3901 note prec.) for statutory requirements pertaining to exemptions, exceptions, and waivers.].

vi. Pre-Award Costs: Pre-award costs are not an allowable expense for this funding opportunity.

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

viii. Direct Social Services: Costs that cover and provide direct social services, such as welfare, charity, health or economic relief, are unallowable. Medical assistance, such as costs to include medical professionals, including but not limited to doctors, nurses, and psychiatrists to participate in the project activities are not allowed.

6. Other Submission Requirements: Copyrights and Proprietary Information If any of the information contained in your application is proprietary, please note in the footer of the appropriate pages that the information is Confidential – Proprietary. Applicants should also note what parts of the application, program, concept, etc. are covered by copyright(s), trademark(s), or any other intellectual property rights and provide copies of the relevant documentation to support these copyrights.

Applicants must acquire all required registrations and rights in the United States and India. All intellectual property considerations and rights must be fully met in the United States and India.

Any sub-recipient organization must also meet all the U.S. and India requirements described above.

F. Application Review Information

1. Review Criteria Criteria: Each application submitted under this announcement will be evaluated and rated on the basis of the criteria enumerated below. The criteria are designed to assess the quality of the proposed project, and to determine the likelihood of its success.

· Quality and Feasibility of the Program Idea – 30 points: The program idea should be innovative and well developed, with sufficient detail about how project activities will be carried out. The proposals should demonstrate originality and outline clear, achievable objectives. The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline. The project scope is appropriate and clearly defined. Finally, the proposal aligns with the following U.S. policies:

· The project clearly demonstrates a direct contribution to current U.S. foreign policy priorities.

· The project will positively impact America’s reputation among foreign government partners.

· The project will positively impact American’s reputation among foreign publics.

· The proposal does not include any activities contrary to the following Executive Orders:

· Executive Order 14287: “Protecting American Communities from Criminal Aliens.”

· Executive Order 14151: “Ending Radical And Wasteful Government DEI Programs And Preferencing.”

· Executive Order 14154: “Unleashing American Energy.”

· Executive Order 14150: “America First Policy Directive to the Secretary of State”

· Executive Order 14168: Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government

· Organizational Capacity and Record on Previous Grants – 25 points:

· The project proposal demonstrates that the organization has sufficient expertise, skills, and human resources to implement the project.

· The organization demonstrates that it has a clear understanding of the underlying issue that the project will address.

· The organization demonstrates capacity for successful planning and responsible fiscal management. This includes a financial management system, a bank account, and if applicable, satisfactory audit findings.

· Applicants who have received grant funds previously have been compliant with applicable rules and regulations, including the Award Provisions and Standard Terms and Conditions.

· Where partners are described, the applicant details each partner’s respective role and provides curriculum vitae (CVs) for persons responsible for the project and financial administration. Proposed personnel, institutional resources, and partners are adequate and appropriate

· The applicant organization is compliant with the Mexico City Policy.

· Project Planning/Ability to Achieve Objectives – 20 points: The project plan is well developed, with sufficient detail about how activities will be carried out. The proposal specifies target audiences, participant recruitment, and geographic areas of implementation. The proposal outlines clear, achievable objectives. The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline. The project scope is appropriate and clearly defined.

· Budget – 10 points: The budget and narrative justification are sufficiently detailed. The budget demonstrates that the organization has devoted time to accurately determine expenses associated with the project instead of providing rough estimates. Costs are reasonable in relation to the proposed activities and anticipated results. The results and proposed outcomes justify the total cost of the project. Budget items are reasonable, allowable, and allocable.

· Monitoring and Evaluation - 10 points: There is a complete and thorough draft submission of a M&E Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP). This will include a list of proposed project activities, corresponding milestone, output, and outcome indicators, a description of data collection methods, and a timeline for collecting such information. The proposal presents a clear theory of change on how the program will address that problem. Use of the suggested template (Attachments 3 & 3.1) will satisfy these requirements. Funded projects will have their plans finalized during the negotiation phase, and monitoring plans may be subject to periodic updates throughout the life of the project.

· Sustainability – 5 points: Program activities will continue to have positive impact after the end of the program.

2. Indirect Costs If two or more applications receive equivalent scores based on the evaluation criteria outlined in this NOFO, preference will be given to the applicant with the lower indirect cost rate, as consistent with Executive Order 14332, Section 4(b)(iii). This preference will only be applied as a tie-breaking mechanism and does not supersede the primary evaluation criteria.

3. Review and Selection Process

a) Acknowledgement of receipt. Applicants will receive acknowledgment of receipt of their proposal.

b) Review. All submissions are screened for technical eligibility. If a submission is missing any required forms/documents listed above in Section D. Application Contents and Format, it will be considered ineligible and will not be reviewed by the grants review committee. A technical review panel will review eligible proposals based upon the criteria noted in this NOFO.

c) Follow up notification. Applicants will generally be notified within 120 days after the NOFO deadline regarding the results of the review panel.

4. Risk Review

i. Risk factors Under the merit review as required by 2 CFR 200.206, prior to making a Federal Award the Department will review and consider the following risk factors:

a. Financial stability

b. Management systems and standards

c. History of performance

d. Audit reports and findings

e. Ability to effectively implement requirements

ii. Responsibility/Qualification Information in SAM.gov

The Federal awarding agency, prior to making a Federal award with a total amount of Federal share greater than the simplified acquisition threshold, 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)

An applicant can review and comment on any information in the responsibility/qualification records available in SAM.gov.

Before making decisions in the risk review required by 2 CFR 200.206, the Department will consider any comments by the applicant, along with information available in the responsibility/qualification records in SAM.gov.

iii. High Risk Designation

Awardees that are deemed to be high risk based on the above risk factors will be held to special award conditions. At a minimum, the recipient and/or project designated as High Risk will be required to submit monthly narrative reports and/or quarterly detailed financial reports. Recipients may also be required, upon request of the Grants Officer or Grants Officer Representative, to provide electronic copies of receipts or other supporting documentation (e.g., timesheets, travel documents) for costs incurred. The Grants Officer may withhold 10% of the award amount until final reports have been reviewed and approved by the GO. The recipient may be required to pay all salaries supported by the grant via electronic funds transfer. Other special award conditions may also be included if deemed appropriate by the Grants Officer.

G. Award Notices The award or cooperative agreement will be written, signed, awarded, and administered by the Grants Officer. The award agreement is the authorizing document, and it will be provided to the recipient for review and counter-signature. The recipient may only start incurring project expenses beginning on the start date shown on the 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.

Payment Method:

Recipients will be required to request payments by completing form SF-270—Request for Advance or Reimbursement and submitting the form to the Grants Officer through MyGrants.

Recipients may not draw down funds without the affirmative authorization of the Department of State. In addition, recipients must submit, with each SF-270 payment request, a detailed explanation justifying the request.

H. Post-Award Requirements and Administration

1. 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:

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:

· Guidance for Grants and Agreements in Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations (2 CFR), as updated in the Federal Register’s 89 FR 30046 on April 22, 2024, particularly on:

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

· 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 pursuant to the U.S. Department of State Standard Terms and Conditions, including, to the greatest extent authorized by law, if an award no longer effectuates the program goals or agency priorities (2 CFR part 200.340). For the avoidance of doubt, the Department has sole discretion over the determination that an award no longer effectuates program goals or agency priorities, and this provision permits awards to be terminated at the Department’s convenience, including when it determines that the award no longer advances the national interest.

· 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

· Recipients must comply with all applicable Executive Orders A searchable list can be found in the Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/

2. Reporting Reporting Requirements: Recipients will be required to submit financial reports and program reports. The award document will specify what reports are required and how often these reports must be submitted. Note: most recipients will be required to submit quarterly programming progress and financial reports throughout the project period. The quarterly progress report should include an up-to-date copy of the PMP datasheet. Progress and financial reports are due 30 days after the reporting period. Final certified programmatic and financial reports are due 120 days after the closing of the project period.

All reports are to be submitted electronically.

The Awardee must also provide the Embassy on an annual basis an inventory of all the U.S. government provided equipment using the SF428 form.

Foreign Assistance Data Review: As required by Congress, the Department of State must make progress in its efforts to improve tracking and reporting of foreign assistance data through the Foreign Assistance Data Review (FADR). The FADR requires tracking of foreign assistance activity data from budgeting, planning, and allocation through obligation and disbursement. Successful applicants will be required to report and draw down federal funding based on the appropriate FADR Data Elements, indicated within their award documentation. In cases of more than one FADR Data Element, typically program or sector and/or regions or country, the successful applicant will be required to maintain separate accounting records.

Applicants should be aware of the post award reporting requirements reflected in 2 CFR 200 Appendix XII—Award Term and Condition for Recipient Integrity and Performance Matters.

3. Branding and Marking The Department of State, its programs, and U.S. Government funding and assistance should be easily identifiable to the Department's global audiences.

Recipients of federal assistance awards must follow the branding guidance published at Guidance for Contracts and Grants - U.S. Department of State Brand System. Branding policy exceptions are outlined in the U.S. Department of State Foreign Affairs Manual 10 FAM 416, Policy Exceptions.

For more information, visit: https://brand.america.gov/

I. Other Information

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