UN GGE NOFO 2019_for clearance_consolidatedv1_FINALjun10.pdf

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Office of the Coordinator for Cyber Issues (S/CCI)

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

Announcement Type: New Announcement

Assistance Type: Cooperative Agreement

Funding Opportunity Title: Strengthening International Engagement on

Security in Cyberspace

Funding Opportunity Number: SFOP0005968

Catalog of Federal Domestic

Assistance (CFDA) Number: 19.035

Total Available Funding: $500,000.00

NOFO Issuance Date: June 10, 2019

Deadline for Receipt of Questions: June 21, 2019 at 5:00PM Eastern Standard Time

Application Deadline: August 9, 2019 at 11:59PM Eastern Standard Time

A. PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The U.S. Department of State’s Office of the Coordinator for Cyber Issues (S/CCI) announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications for a program to support upcoming

United Nations-related cyber events of strategic importance, in particular meetings related to the

UN Group of Governmental Experts and the UN Open Ended Working Group. The purpose of this award is to support travel, lodging and other logistics for civilian government officials to participate in these key cyber-related discussions, as well as other UN events that may discuss non-security cyber issues of concern (e.g. Internet governance, cybercrime, and Internet freedom). The recipient will also develop an online training course, which aims to provide foundational understandings on core U.S. cyber policy concepts for foreign civilian government officials, particularly regarding international security and stability in cyberspace.

Pending the availability of funds, S/CCI anticipates awarding one cooperative agreement of up to

$500,000.00.

S/CCI invites interested eligible organizations to submit proposals outlining program concepts that reflect the following objectives:

Priority Regions/Countries: Global, Target Audience: Activities should target foreign assistance eligible civilian government officials

Project Objectives:

The United States seeks common understanding on cyber issues of critical national and international significance. This includes: the need to promote international stability, transparency, and confidence in cyberspace; that existing international law applies to state behavior with regard to the use of cyberspace; that certain voluntary norms of state behavior and confidence building measures can also enhance stability; continued support for the multistakeholder process of Internet governance; ensuring free flow of information online; and how the international community can help build the cyber capacity of less-developed states.

In 2019, the United Nations mandated two new processes to address responsible state behavior in cyberspace in the context of international security. One process will be a new round of the

United Nations Group of Governmental Experts on Developments in the Field of Information and Telecommunications in the Context of International Security (GGE), where 25 experts will build on previous consensus GGE reports. The other is a new Open Ended Working Group

(OEWG) on cyber issues, which will involve all UN Member States. Many countries— particularly those unfamiliar with previous UN discussion on principles of responsible state behavior in cyberspace— need to be brought up to speed to ensure informed discussions.

Given the broader participation in UN discussions on cyber issues starting in 2019, ensuring an open, secure, interoperable, and reliable cyberspace will require outreach and training for a broader array of civilian government officials to ensure that they can effectively contribute to these discussions on cyber issues of national and international significance. Responses to this

NOFO should propose a comprehensive and holistic program, which emphasizes the following elements and demonstrates the capabilities needed to accomplish them successfully:

a) Provide Rapid Response Travel, Lodging, and other Logistical Arrangements:

Following instructions from S/CCI, the Recipient should have the capacity and capability to respond rapidly to numerous requests for air travel and hotel reservations and distribute tickets to the sponsored participants. As needed, the Recipient will manage local travel, visa fees, and other related expenses for participants and arrange for travel of foreign experts to select key engagements, which will most likely take place in Geneva, New York, Washington D.C. and other to-be-identified international locations hosting regional conferences related to the UN cyber processes. The Recipient will purchase the tickets at reasonable and cost-effective prices and will be required to compare government and market rates when making the arrangements. The Recipient shall follow the “Fly America” Act in booking international flights and shall provide the tickets and/or other travel documents (travel itineraries and meeting schedules) to the traveler no later than five days prior to the start of travel. With prior approval from S/CCI, the

Recipient is authorized to make hotel, and air changes as the need arise. The Recipient will, in close cooperation with S/CCI and Embassy Points of Contact (POCs), ensure compliance with the State Department’s Leahy vetting policy and ensure that any foreign security force participants have cleared Leahy vetting before travel funds are provided.

b) Develop and Deliver Online Training Course:

The Recipient will be expected to deliver and develop an online training course on foundational understandings of international security and stability in cyberspace. The online training course would serve as an orientation for upcoming UN negotiations and other key cyber related engagements. Target beneficiaries for this online training course will be foreign assistance eligible civilian government officials as well as potentially academics and other professionals who may advise civilian government officials that will represent their countries at these diplomatic engagements.

During the award period of performance, the online course materials should not be distributed to the general public without prior consent from S/CCI. Consistent with 2

CFR 200.315, and unless otherwise specified in the executed award agreement, the State

Department reserves a royalty-free, nonexclusive and irrevocable right to reproduce, publish, or otherwise use the online course materials for Federal purposes, and to authorize others to do so. S/CCI will approve the content of the training course before the online training course is to be published and delivered to the target audience.

Potential topics in the online training course could include, but is not limited to:

Components of the international stability framework on cyberspace, articulated in the GGE reports, and related UN documents

History of the GGE and other processes related to international security cyber issues

Summary of other UN actions/processes related to non-security cyber issues (e.g.

Internet governance, cybercrime, and Internet freedom).

c) Impact Evaluation:

Working closely with S/CCI, the Recipient shall develop, distribute, collate, and analyze pre- and post- surveys, questionnaires, and other materials to establish the outcomes and impact of relevant activities, in particular, the online training course. The Recipient will also manage lists and other logistics products as needed for post-event follow-up activities.

Additionally, it is S/CCI’s strong preference for the proposal to include the following complementary components, in support of its primary activities:

Translation of online training course materials. Potential target languages may include:

Arabic, Spanish, French, and other common languages, as appropriate.

The proposal may span multiple years as appropriate, but applicants should anticipate a start date no later than September 2019.

S/CCI’s preference is to avoid duplicating past efforts by supporting new and creative approaches. This does not exclude from consideration projects that improve upon or expand existing successful projects in a new and complementary way.

To maximize the impact and sustainability of the award(s) that result(s) from this NOFO, S/CCI reserves the right to execute a non-competitive continuation amendment(s). Any non-competitive continuation is contingent on performance and availability of funds. A non-competitive continuation is not guaranteed; the Department of State reserves the right to exercise or not exercise the option to issue non-competitive continuation amendment(s).

The authority for this funding opportunity is in the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended

(FAA).

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

S/CCI anticipates having approximately $500,000.00 of FY 2018 Economic Support Funds

(ESF) available to support one successful application submitted in response to this NOFO, subject to the ability of funding.

Applicants should include an anticipated start date no later than September 2019 and the period of performance should be between two to three years.

S/CCI anticipates awarding a cooperative agreement. Cooperative agreements require substantial involvement from the Federal government during the implementation of the award agreement.

Examples of substantial involvement can include, but are not limited to:

Approval of the Recipient’s annual work plans, including: planned activities for the following year, travel plans, planned expenditures, event planning, and changes to any activity to be carried out under the Cooperative Agreement;

Approval of sub-award Recipients, and concurrence on the substantive provisions of the sub-awards; and coordination with other cooperating agencies (if applicable);

Approval of Monitoring and Evaluation Plan;

Country specific approvals (if applicable)

Review and approve the Recipient’s implementation plan to achieve the expected results described in the Program Description.

Review and approve travel, activity budgets, impact evaluation, etc.

Provide ongoing guidance and communication related to program activities

Provide guidance on any legal and funding restrictions.

Approving Project Key Personnel.

C. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

C.1 Eligible Applicants

S/CCI welcomes applications from U.S.-based and foreign-based non-profit organizations/nongovernment organizations (NGO); Public International Organizations; and private, public, or state institutions of higher education.

For-profit and commercial firms are not eligible to apply in response to this NOFO.

Please see 2 CFR 200.307 for regulations regarding program income.

C.2 Cost Sharing or Matching

Providing cost sharing, matching, or cost participation is not an eligibility requirement for this

NOFO. When cost sharing is offered, it is understood and agreed that the applicant must provide the amount of cost sharing as stipulated in its proposal and later included in an approved agreement. Cost sharing may be in the form of allowable direct or indirect costs. For accountability purposes, you must maintain written records to support all costs that are claimed as your contribution, as well as costs to be paid by the Federal government. Such records are subject to audit. The basis for determining the value of cash and in-kind contributions must be in accordance with the Office of Management and Budget’s Circular 2 CFR Parts 200 and 600, entitled the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for

Federal Awards. In the event you do not provide the minimum amount of cost sharing as stipulated in the approved budget, S/CCI’s contribution will be reduced in like proportion.

C.3 Other Eligibility Requirements-

In order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a unique entity identifier

(Data Universal Numbering System/DUNS number from Dun & Bradstreet), as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov. Please see Section D.3 for information on how to obtain these registrations.

Organizations may only submit one application per organization. If more than one application is submitted by an organization, only the first application received from that institution will be reviewed for eligibility and funding.

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

D.1 Address to Request Application Package

Applicants can find application forms and other materials need to apply on SAMS Domestic

(https://mygrants.service-now.com) under the announcement title “Strengthening International

Engagement on Security in Cyberspace,” funding opportunity number SFOP0005968. Please contact the S/CCI point of contact listed in section G if requesting reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities or for security reasons. Please note: reasonable accommodations do not include deadline extensions.

We recommend that applicants begin the application process early, as this will allow time to address any technical difficulties that may arise in advance of the deadline. Faxed proposals will not be accepted at any time. Late applications will not be considered. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that proposals are submitted on time.

D.2 Content and Form of Application Submission

Please follow all instructions below carefully. Applications that do not meet the requirements of this announcement or fail to comply with the stated requirements will be ineligible.

For all submitted application documents, please ensure:

The proposal clearly addresses the goals and objectives of this funding opportunity http://www.grantsolutions.gov/ https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmygrants.service-now.com&data=02%7C01%7Ckyle.s.gardiner%40accenturefederal.com%7C1fd2b594c4cd4945865c08d50c15968a%7C0ee6c63b4eab4748b74ad1dc22fc1a24%7C0%7C0%7C636428209216835578&sdata=33pNWReyzjb%2FLv3yGVTD8iXkgf%2BQ08UTwJ9Qi3oUKUg%3D&reserved=0

All documents are in English. If an original document within the application is in another language, an English translation must be provided (please note: the Department of State, as indicated in 2 CFR 200.111, requires that English is the official language of all award documents. If any documents are provided in both English and a foreign language, the

English language version is the controlling version);

All budget costs are in U.S. dollars;

All pages are numbered, including budgets and attachments;

All documents are formatted to 8 ½ x 11 paper; and, All documents are single-spaced, 12 point Times New Roman font, with 1-inch margins.

Captions and footnotes may be 10 point Times New Roman font. Font sizes in charts and tables, including the budget, can be reformatted to fit within 1 page width.

Complete applications must include the following required documents:

1. Completed and signed SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B and SF-LLL forms. These forms are available electronically via SAMS Domestic https://mygrants.service-now.com. The

SF-424 B is required only for those applicants who have not registered in SAM.gov or recertified their registration in SAM.gov since February 2, 2019 and completed the online representations and certifications. The SF-LLL is required for applicants that may engage in lobbying activities.

2. Table of Contents (not to exceed one [1] page in Microsoft Word) that includes a page numbered contents page, including any attachments.

3. Executive Summary (not to exceed two [2] pages in Microsoft Word) that includes:

a) Name and contact information for the project’s main point of contact;

b) The total amount of funding requested and project length;

c) A statement of work or synopsis of the project, including a concise breakdown of the project’s objectives, activities, and expected results; and,

d) A brief statement on how the project is innovative, sustainable, and will have a demonstrated impact.

4. Proposal Narrative (not to exceed ten [10] pages, single-spaced, 12 point Times New

Roman font in Microsoft Word, at least one-inch margins). Please note the 10 page limit does not include the Table of Contents, Executive Summary, Attachments, Audit, Detailed Budget, Budget Narrative, or Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement

(NICRA). Applicants are encouraged to submit multiple documents in a single Microsoft

Word or Adobe file, (i.e., Table of Contents, Executive Summary, and Proposal Narrative in one file).

5. Summary and Detailed Line-Item Budget (in Microsoft Excel) that includes three [3] columns including the request to S/CCI, any cost sharing contribution, and total budget

(see below for more information on budget format). The federal share requested should not exceed the amount of funds available under section B. A summary budget should also be included using the OMB approved budget categories (see SF-424A for https://mygrants.service-now.com/ budget categories). Costs must be in U.S. dollars. Detailed line-item budgets for sub-awardees should be included in additional tabs within the excel workbook. A template budget is provided, but is not required, as long as the submitted budget follows OMB budget categories.

6. Budget Narrative (in Microsoft Word) that includes substantive explanations and justifications for each line item in the detailed budget spreadsheet, as well as the source and a description of all cost-share offered. For ease of review, S/CCI recommends applicants order the budget narrative as presented in the detailed budget. Personnel costs must include a clarification of the roles and responsibilities of all staff, base salary, and percentage of time devoted to the project. The budget narrative should support the activities described in the proposal and provide additional information that might not be readily apparent in the detailed-line item budget, not simply repeat what is represented numerically in the budget, i.e. salaries are for salaries or travel is for travel. The budget narrative should also explain any cost share provided.

7. Attachments (not to exceed thirteen [11] pages total, preferably in Microsoft Word) that include the following in order:

a) Narrative of Monitoring and Evaluation Plan – Pages 1-2.

b) Monitoring and Evaluation Performance Indicator Table – Pages 3-7. This section can be up to four pages long if necessary.

c) Timeline of the overall proposal – Page 8: Components should include activities, evaluation efforts, and project closeout.

d) Additional optional attachments – Page 9-11: Attachments may include further timeline information, letters of support, memorandums of understanding/agreement, etc. Letters of support and MOUs must be specific to the projects implementation (e.g. from proposed partners or sub-award recipients) and will not count towards the page limit.

8. C.V.s for all key program personnel

Senior/key personnel are defined as individuals who contribute to the development or execution of a project in a substantive measurable way. The program director/principal investigator (PD/PI) is always considered senior/key personnel.

9. NICRA: If your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, your most recent NICRA should be included as a PDF file. This document will not be reviewed by the panelists, but rather used by project and grant staff if the submission is recommended for funding and therefore does not count against the submission page limitations. If your proposal involves subawards to organizations charging indirect costs, please submit the applicable NICRA).

Per 2 CFR200.414(f), organizations that have never had a NICRA may request a de minimis indirect rate of up to 10% of the Modified Total Direct Costs (MTDC) as defined in 2 CFR 200.68. MTDC excludes equipment, capital expenditures, charges for patient care, rental costs, tuition remission, scholarships and fellowships, participant support costs and the portion of each subaward in excess of $25,000. The budget narrative must indicate what costs will be covered using the 10% de minimis rate.

10. A copy of your organization’s most recent audit (single audit, if applicable, is required, otherwise standard audit)

Note: Applications that do not include all required documents will be marked as incomplete, and will therefore be deemed technically ineligible.

S/CCI retains the right to ask for additional documents not included in this NOFO. Additionally, to ensure all applications receive a balanced evaluation, the S/CCI Review Panel will review the first page of the requested section up to the page limit and no further. S/CCI encourages organizations to use the given space effectively.

Additional information that successful applicants may be requested to submit after notification of intent to make a Federal award, but prior to issuance of a Federal award, may include:

Written responses and any revised application documents addressing any conditions or recommendations from the Review Panel;

Completion of the Department’s Financial Management Survey, if receiving S/CCI funding for the first time or requested by the Grants Officer;

Submission of required documents to register in the Payment Management System managed by the Department of Health and Human Services if receiving S/CCI funding for the first time, unless an exemption is provided;

Other requested information or documents included in the notification of intent to make a

Federal award or subsequent communications prior to issuance of a Federal award.

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

All organizations applying for grants must obtain these registrations. All are free of charge:

Unique Entity Identifier from Dun & Bradstreet (DUNS number)

NCAGE/CAGE code www.SAM.gov registration

Step 1: Apply for a DUNS number and an NCAGE number (these can be completed simultaneously)

DUNS application: Organizations must have a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number from Dun & Bradstreet. If your organization does not have one already, you may obtain one by calling 1-866-705-5711 or visiting http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform

NCAGE application: Application page here:

https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/scage/CageList.aspx

Instructions for the NCAGE application process:

https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/Docs/US%20Instructions%20for%20NSPA%20NCA

GE.pdf http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/scage/CageList.aspx https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/Docs/US%20Instructions%20for%20NSPA%20NCAGE.pdf https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/Docs/US%20Instructions%20for%20NSPA%20NCAGE.pdf

For NCAGE help from within the U.S., call 1-888-227-2423

For NCAGE help from outside the U.S., call 1-269-961-7766

Email NCAGE@dlis.dla.mil for any problems in getting an NCAGE code.

Step 2: After receiving the NCAGE Code, proceed to register in SAM.gov by logging onto:

https://www.sam.gov. SAM registration must be renewed annually.

Applicants must have an active registration in SAM (www.sam.gov) prior to submitting an application, must prove a valid Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number, formerly referred to as a

DUNS number, and must continue to maintain an active SAM.gov registration with current information at all times during which it has an active Federal award or an application or plan under consideration by the U.S. government. If an organization does not have an active registration in SAM.gov prior to submitting an application, the application will be deemed ineligible. Note: The process of obtaining a SAM.gov registration may take anywhere from 4-8 weeks. Please begin your registration as early as possible.

The Unique Entity Identifier (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.

SAM is the Federal government's primary database for complying with FFATA reporting requirements. OMB designated SAM as the central repository to facilitate applicant and recipient use of a single public website that consolidates data on all federal financial assistance.

Under the law, it is mandatory to obtain a UEI number and register in SAM.

SAM requires all entities to renew their registration once a year in order to maintain an active registration status in SAM. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure it has an active registration in SAM and to also maintain its active registration in SAM.

An exemption from this requirement may be permitted on a case-by-case basis if the applicant’s identity must be protected due to possible endangerment of their mission, their organization’s status, their employees, or individuals being served by the applicant. Organizations requesting an exemption should email the point of contact listed in Section G of this NOFO.

Please note: foreign organizations will be required to register with the NATO Support Agency

(NSPA) to receive a NATO Commercial and Government Entity (NCAGE) code in order to register in SAM. NSPA will forward your registration request to the applicable National

Codification Bureau (NCB) if your organization is located in a NATO or Tier 2 Sponsored Non-

NATO Nation. (As of January 2015, NATO nations included Albania, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey, United Kingdom, and the United States of America; and Tier

2 nations included Australia, Austria, Brazil, Finland, Israel, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Morocco, New Zealand, Serbia, and Singapore.)

NSPA and/or the appropriate NCB forwards all NCAGE code information to all Allied

Committee 135 (AC/135) nations, which as of January 2015 also included Afghanistan, https://www.sam.gov/ http://www.sam.gov/

Argentina, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Brunei Darussalam, Chile, Colombia, Egypt, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Jordan, Montenegro, Oman, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Saudi Arabia, South

Africa, Sweden, Thailand, Republic of Macedonia, Ukraine, and the United Arab Emirates.

D.4 Submission Dates and Times

Applications are due no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST), on August 9, 2019 in SAMS Domestic (https://mygrants.service-now.com) under the announcement title

“Strengthening International Engagement on Security in Cyberspace” funding opportunity number SFOP0005968.

Applications will not be accepted via www.grants.gov.

SAMS Domestic automatically logs the date and time an application submission is made, and the

Department of State will use this information to determine whether an application has been submitted on time. Late applications are neither reviewed nor considered unless the S/CCI point of contact listed in section G is contacted prior to the deadline and is provided with evidence of system errors caused by SAMS Domestic that is outside of the applicants’ control and is the sole reason for a late submission. Applicants should not expect a notification upon S/CCI receiving their application.

If ultimately provided with a notification of intent to make a Federal award, applicants typically have two to three weeks to provide additional information and documents requested in the notification of intent. The deadlines may vary in each notification of intent and applicants must adhere to the stated deadline in the notification of intent.

D.5 Funding Restrictions

S/CCI will not consider applications that reflect any type of support for any member, affiliate, or representative of a designated terrorist organization. No entity listed on the Excluded Parties List

System in SAM is eligible for any assistance.

Project activities that provide training or other assistance to foreign militaries or paramilitary groups or individuals will not be considered for S/CCI funding given purpose limitations on funding.

The Leahy Law prohibits Department foreign assistance funds from supporting foreign security force units if the Secretary of State has credible information that the unit has committed a gross violation of human rights. Per 22 USC §2378d(a) (2015), “No assistance shall be furnished under this chapter [FOREIGN ASSISTANCE] or the Arms Export Control Act [22 USC 2751 et seq.] to any unit of the security forces of a foreign country if the Secretary of State has credible information that such unit has committed a gross violation of human rights.” Restrictions may apply to any proposed assistance to police or other law enforcement. Among these, pursuant to section 620M of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended (FAA), no assistance provided through this funding opportunity may be furnished to any unit of the security forces of a foreign country when there is credible information that such unit has committed a gross violation of https://mygrants.service-now.com/ http://www.grants.gov/ human rights. In accordance with the requirements of section 620M of the FAA, also known as the Leahy law, project beneficiaries or participants from a foreign government’s security forces may need to be vetted by the Department before the provision of any assistance.

If a proposed grant or cooperative agreement will provide assistance to foreign security forces or personnel, compliance with the Leahy Law is required. Federal awards generally will not allow reimbursement of pre-award costs; however, the Grants Officer may approve pre-award costs on a case-by-case basis. Generally, construction costs are not allowed under S/CCI awards.

D.6 Other Submission Requirements

All application submissions must be made electronically via SAMS Domestic

(https://mygrants.service-now.com). This system requires registration by the applying organization.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that it has an active registration in SAMS

Domestic and that an application has been received by SAMS Domestic in its entirety. S/CCI bears no responsibility for disqualification that result from applicants not being registered before the due date or for data errors resulting from transmission or conversion processes. Additionally, you must save a screen shot of the checklist showing all documents submitted in case any document fails to upload successfully.

Faxed, couriered, or emailed documents will not be accepted. Reasonable accommodations may, in appropriate circumstances, be provided to applicants with disabilities or for security reasons.

Applicants must follow all formatting instructions in the applicable solicitation and these instructions.

SAMS Domestic Applications:

Applicants using SAMS Domestic for the first time should complete their “New Organization

Registration.” To register with SAMS Domestic, click “Login to https://mygrants.service-now.com” and follow the “create an account” link. Users will then complete the form with the requested information and click “submit.” A confirmation email will be sent once the account has been created. If users are experiencing difficulties obtaining a user login and completing the registration process, please contact ILMS Support.

Organizations must remember to save a screen shot of the checklist showing all documents submitted in case any document fails to upload successfully.

ILMS Support (SAMS Domestic Help Desk):

For assistance with SAMS Domestic accounts and technical issues related to the system, please contact the ILMS Support by phone at 1-888-313-4567 (toll charges for international callers) or through the Self Service online portal that can be accessed from https://afsitsm.service-now.com/ilms/home. Customer Support is available 24/7/365.

https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmygrants.service-now.com&data=02%7C01%7Ckyle.s.gardiner%40accenturefederal.com%7C1fd2b594c4cd4945865c08d50c15968a%7C0ee6c63b4eab4748b74ad1dc22fc1a24%7C0%7C0%7C636428209216835578&sdata=33pNWReyzjb%2FLv3yGVTD8iXkgf%2BQ08UTwJ9Qi3oUKUg%3D&reserved=0 https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmygrants.service-now.com&data=02%7C01%7Ckyle.s.gardiner%40accenturefederal.com%7C1fd2b594c4cd4945865c08d50c15968a%7C0ee6c63b4eab4748b74ad1dc22fc1a24%7C0%7C0%7C636428209216835578&sdata=33pNWReyzjb%2FLv3yGVTD8iXkgf%2BQ08UTwJ9Qi3oUKUg%3D&reserved=0 https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmygrants.service-now.com&data=02%7C01%7Ckyle.s.gardiner%40accenturefederal.com%7C1fd2b594c4cd4945865c08d50c15968a%7C0ee6c63b4eab4748b74ad1dc22fc1a24%7C0%7C0%7C636428209216835578&sdata=33pNWReyzjb%2FLv3yGVTD8iXkgf%2BQ08UTwJ9Qi3oUKUg%3D&reserved=0 https://afsitsm.service-now.com/ilms/home

Should an applicant experience technical issues, contacted the helpdesk, and is not receiving timely assistance (e.g. if you have not received a response after 2 days of contacting the helpdesk), you may contact the S/CCI point of contact listed in section G, who may assist in contacting the appropriate helpdesk. Applicants should document their efforts in contacting the helpdesk.

E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

E.1 Criteria

Each application will be evaluated individually against the following criteria, listed below in order of importance, and not against competing applications.

Quality of Project Idea (35 points)

Applications should be responsive to the NOFO, appropriate in the country/regional context, and should exhibit originality, substance, precision, and relevance to S/CCI’s objective to support upcoming United Nations-related cyber events of strategic importance. S/CCI prioritizes innovative and creative approaches rather than projects that simply duplicate or add to efforts by other entities. This does not exclude projects that clearly build off existing successful projects in a new and innovative way from consideration. Strong preference will be given to project ideas that include translation of online training course materials. Potential target languages may include: Arabic, Spanish, French, and other common languages, as appropriate.

Project Planning/Ability to Achieve Objectives (25 points)

A strong application will include a clear articulation of how the proposed project activities contribute to the overall project objectives, and each activity will be clearly developed and detailed. A comprehensive monthly work plan should demonstrate substantive undertakings and the logistical capacity of the organization. Objectives should be ambitious, yet measurable results-focused and achievable in a reasonable time frame. A complete application must include a logic model to demonstrate how the project will have an impact on its proposed objectives.

Applications should address how the project will engage relevant stakeholders, including stakeholders with the relevant subject matter expertise to successfully implement this program. If partners have been identified, S/CCI strongly encourages applicants to submit letters of support from proposed partners. Additionally, applicants should describe the division of labor among the direct applicant and any partners. If applicable, applications should identify the specific roles of subawardees, among other pertinent details. In particularly challenging operating environments, applications should include contingency plans for overcoming potential difficulties in executing the original work plan and address any operational or programmatic security concerns and how they will be addressed.

Institution’s Record and Capacity (15 points)

S/CCI will consider the past performance of prior recipients and the demonstrated potential of new applicants. Applications should demonstrate an institutional record of successful cyber related projects , including responsible fiscal management and full compliance with all reporting requirements for past grants. Proposed personnel and institutional resources should be adequate and appropriate to achieve the project's objectives. Applications must demonstrate a strong capacity to rapidly provide and manage logistics and other administrative arrangements with foreign governments. Projects should also have in-house cyber expertise or consider collaborating with subject matter experts outside of their organization on cyber issues to develop content for the online training course.

Cost Effectiveness (10 points)

S/CCI strongly encourages applicants to clearly demonstrate project cost-effectiveness in their application, including examples of leveraging institutional and other resources. However, cost-sharing or other examples of leveraging other resources is not required and does not need to be included in the budget. Inclusion in the budget does not result in additional points awarded during the review process. Budgets however should have low and/or reasonable overhead and administration costs and applicants should provide clear explanations and justifications for these costs in relation to the work involved. All budget items should be clearly explained and justified to demonstrate its necessity, appropriateness, and its link to the project objectives.

Please note: If cost-share is included in the budget then the recipient must maintain written records to support all allowable costs that are claimed as its contribution to cost-share, as well as costs to be paid by the Federal government. Such records are subject to audit. In the event the recipient does not meet the minimum amount of cost-sharing as stipulated in the recipient’s budget, S/CCI’s contribution may be reduced in proportion to the recipient’s contribution.

Multiplier Effect/Sustainability (7 points)

Applications should clearly delineate how elements of the project will have a multiplier effect and be sustainable beyond the life of the grant. A good multiplier effect will have an impact beyond the direct beneficiaries of the grant (e.g. participants trained under a grant go on to train other people, workshop participants use skills from a workshop to enhance a national level election that affects the entire populace). A strong sustainability plan may include demonstrating continuing impact beyond the life of a project or garnering other donor support after S/CCI funding ceases.

Project Monitoring and Evaluation (8 points)

Complete applications will include a detailed plan (both a narrative and table) of how the project’s progress and impact will be monitored and evaluated throughout the project.

Incorporating a well-designed monitoring and evaluation component into a project is one of the most efficient methods of documenting the progress and results (intended and unintended) of a project. Applications should demonstrate the capacity to provide objectives with measurable outputs and outcomes and engage in robust monitoring and assessment of project activities.

The quality of the M&E plan will be judged on the narrative explaining how both monitoring and evaluation will be carried out, who will be responsible for those related activities.

E.2 Review and Selection Process

S/CCI strives to ensure each application receives a balanced evaluation by an S/CCI Review

Panel. All technically eligible applications for a given notice of funding opportunity are reviewed against the same criteria, listed above. Additionally, the S/CCI Review Panel will evaluate how the application addresses the NOFO request, U.S. foreign policy goals, and the priority needs of S/CCI overall.

The S/CCI Review Panel generally includes representatives from S/CCI, as well as other representatives from the Department of State, and may include additional panelists from U.S.

embassies, other U.S. government departments, agencies, or boards, representatives from partner governments, or representatives from entities that are in a public-private partnership with S/CCI.

All Panelists must sign non-disclosure agreements and conflicts of interest agreements.

S/CCI Review Panels may provide conditions and recommendations on applications to enhance the proposed project, which must be addressed by the applicant before further consideration of funding. rd. To ensure effective use of S/CCI funds, conditions or recommendations may include requests to increase, decrease, clarify, and/or justify costs and project activities.

E.3 Federal Awardee Performance & Integrity Information System

The Department of State, 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 designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM (currently FAPIIS) (see 41 U.S.C. 2313).

The applicant, at its option, may review information in the designated integrity and performance systems accessible through SAM and comment on any information about itself that a Federal awarding agency previously entered and is currently in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM.

The Department of State will consider any comments by the applicant, in addition to the other information in the designated integrity and performance system, in making a judgment about the applicant's integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under Federal awards when completing the review of risk posed by applicants as described in §200.205 Federal awarding agency review of risk posed by applicants.

F. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

F.1 Federal Award Notices

S/CCI will provide a separate notification to applicants on the result of their applications.

Successful applicants will be notified by S/CCI via email. This email may include a request for the applicant respond to panel conditions and recommendations. This notification is not an authorization to begin activities and does not constitute formal approval or a funding commitment.

Final approval is contingent on the applicant successfully responding to the panel’s conditions and recommendations, being registered in required systems, including the U.S. government’s

Payment Management System (PMS), unless an exemption is provided, and completing and providing any additional documentation requested by the Department of State. Final approval is also contingent on Congressional Notification requirements being met and final review and approval by the Department’s warranted Grants Officer.

The cooperative agreement will be written, signed, awarded, and administered by the warranted

Grants Officer. The award agreement is the sole authorizing document and it will be provided electronically to the recipient’s authorized signatory for review and signature through SAMS

Domestic. The recipient may only start incurring program expenses beginning on the start date show 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 as the discretion of the Department of State.

F.2 Administrative and National Policy Requirements

The Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements for Federal

Awards set forth in 2 CFR Chapter 200 (Sub-Chapters A through F) shall apply to all non-

Federal entities, except for assistance awards to Individuals and Foreign Public Entities. Sub-

Chapters A through E shall apply to all foreign organizations, and Sub-Chapters A through D shall apply to all U.S. and foreign for-profit entities.

The applicant/recipient of the award and any sub-recipient under the award must comply with all applicable terms and conditions, in addition to the assurance and certifications made part of the

Notice of Award. The Department’s Standard Terms and Conditions can be viewed at https://www.state.gov/m/a/ope/index.htm.

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.

F.3 Reporting

Recipients will be required to complete and upload regular financial reports and program progress reports to the grant file in SAMS Domestic. The award document will specific how often these reports must be submitted. S/CCI typically requests that reports are submitted on a quarterly basis. Please note that all substantiating documentation supporting reporting and data collected, including survey responses and contact information, must be maintained for a minimum of three years and provided to the Department of State upon request. All reports must be written in English

1. Financial Reports: The recipient is required to submit quarterly financial reports through the project period. The Federal Financial Report (FFR or SF-425) is the required form for the financial reports. If the recipient will receive funds through the Payment Management

System (PMS), the recipient will be required to complete financial reports in PMS.

Financial reports are due 30 days after the end of the reporting period.

https://www.state.gov/m/a/ope/index.htm

2. Progress Reports: The recipient is required to submit quarterly narrative progress reports in SAMS Domestic. Progress reports are due 30 days after the end of the reporting period. Narrative progress reports should reflect the focus on measuring the project’s impact on the overarching objectives and should be compiled according to the objectives, outcomes, and outputs as outlined in the award’s Scope of Work (SOW) and in the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Statement. An assessment of the overall project’s impact, should be included in each progress report. Where relevant, progress reports should include the following sections:

Relevant contextual information (limited);

Explanation and evaluation of significant activities of the reporting period and how the activities reflect progress toward achieving objectives, including meeting benchmarks/targets as set in the M&E plan. In addition, attach the M&E plan, comparing the target and actual numbers for the indicators;

Any tangible impact or success stories from the project, when possible;

Copy of mid-term and/or final evaluation report(s) conducted by an external evaluator; if applicable;

Relevant supporting documentation or products related to the project activities (such as articles, meeting lists and agendas, participant surveys, photos, manuals, etc.) as separate attachments;

Description of how the Recipient is pursuing sustainability, including looking for sources of follow-on funding;

Any problems/challenges in implementing the project and a corrective action plan with an updated timeline of activities;

Reasons why established goals were not met;

Data for the required F Framework indicator(s) for the quarter as well as aggregate data by fiscal year using the SF-PPR-B: Project Indicators or other mutually agreed upon format approved by the Grants Officer. Evaluation indicators from the Foreign

Assistance Framework can be found at http://www.state.gov/f/indicators/ ;

Proposed activities for the next quarter;

Additional pertinent information, including analysis and explanation of cost overruns or high unit costs, if applicable.

3. Final Report: A final narrative report and financial report will be required within 90 days after the completion of the award. The final narrative should include an in-depth impact assessment and/or project evaluation.

Please note: delays in reporting may result in delays of payment approvals and failure to provide required reports may jeopardize the recipients’ ability to receive future U.S. government funds.

S/CCI reserves the right to request any additional programmatic and/or financial project information during the award period of performance.

G. CONTACT INFORMATION

Any prospective applicant who has questions concerning the contents of this NOFO should email them to Cybergrants@state.gov with the subject “[Applicant Name] [Strengthening International http://www.state.gov/f/indicators/ mailto:Cybergrants@state.gov

Engagement on Security in Cyberspace].” To maintain fairness and transparency in competition, S/CCI will not answer substantive NOFO questions except when posting questions and answers to the announcement page below.

All questions must be submitted via email to Cybergrants@state.gov by June 21, 2019. S/CCI will create a document of submitted questions with answers and upload it to the announcement page in grants.gov and SAMS Domestic no later than July 1, 2019. Note that once the NOFO deadline has passed, DOS staff in Washington, D.C. and overseas and U.S. Embassies/Missions may not discuss this completion with applicants until the review process has been completed.

For assistance with SAMS Domestic accounts and technical issues related to the system, please contact the ILMS help desk by phone at 1-888-313-4567 (toll charges for international callers) or through the Self Service online portal that can be accessed from https://afsitsm.service-now.com/ilms/home. Customer Support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, except federal holidays.

With the exception of technical submission questions, during the solicitation period U.S.

Department of State staff in Washington and overseas shall not discuss this competition with applicants until the entire proposal review process has been completed and an award has been made.

H. OTHER INFORMATION

S/CCI understands that some information contained in applications may be considered sensitive or proprietary and will make appropriate efforts to protect such information. However, applicants are advised that S/CCI cannot guarantee that such information will not be disclosed, including pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) or other similar statutes.

The information in this NOFO is binding and may not be modified by any S/CCI representative.

Explanatory information provided by S/CCI that contradicts this language will not be binding.

Issuance of the NOFO and negotiation of applications does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the U.S. government. S/CCI reserves the right to reduce, revise, or increase proposal budgets in accordance with the needs of the project evaluation requirements.

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. The. U.S. government reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received.

This NOFO will appear on www.grants.gov and SAMS…