UNVIE CPIF Project Constellation NOFO August 2026.pdf

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

Project Constellation

U.S. Mission to International Organizations in Vienna (UNVIE), Bureau of International Organizations, Department of State

Opportunity number: OFOP0003546

Application deadline: September 4, 2026, 5:00PM Vienna, Austria Time (GMT+2)

Contents

A. Basic Information

B. Eligibility

C. Program Description

D. Application Contents and Format

E. Submission Requirements and Deadlines

F. Application Review Information

G. Award Notices

H. Post-Award Requirements and Administration

I. Federal Awarding Agency Contact

J. Other Information….……………………………………………………………...…23

U.S Department of State

U.S Mission to International Organizations in Vienna (UNVIE)

Notice of Funding Opportunity

A. Basic Information

1. Overview

Funding Opportunity Title Project Constellation: Building a Constellation of Outer

Space Partners at the United Nations

Funding Opportunity Number OFOP0003546

Announcement Type Initial announcement

Deadline for Applications September 4, 2026, 5:00PM Vienna Time (GMT+2)

Assistance Listing Number 19.017

Length of performance period 24 months

Number of awards anticipated One award

Award amounts Up to $5,000,000.00

Total available funding $4,750,000.00-$5,000,000.00 pending availability of funds

Type of Funding FY25/26 Economic Support Funds under the Foreign

Assistance Act

Anticipated project start date October 1, 2026

Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative agreement. Cooperative agreements include substantial involvement of the bureau or embassy in program implementation of the project.

Project Performance Period: Proposed projects should be completed in 24 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: Global project targeting Artemis Accord and other emerging space nations who are members of the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS).

Final list of countries will be determined in consultation with selected implementing partner.

The United States offers a uniquely integrated space ecosystem that combines world-leading government institutions, commercial companies, research universities, entrepreneurs, investors, nonprofit organizations, and regulatory expertise. Project Constellation seeks to connect partner countries with this broad ecosystem in ways that strengthens alignment between foreign countries and U.S. positions at COPUOS on civil and commercial space policy.

Executive Summary

The U.S. Mission to the International Organizations in Vienna advances U.S. foreign policy through multilateral diplomacy with the major international organizations headquartered in

Vienna, including the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA). As the U.S.

Mission accredited to the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space

(COPUOS) and other Vienna-based international organizations, UNVIE is uniquely positioned to promote implementation of the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, the three other core space treaties, non-binding guidelines and best practices adopted by COPUOS, and other measures to strengthen international cooperation that advances the peaceful, responsible, and commercially beneficial uses of outer space.

The global space economy is undergoing unprecedented growth as governments, private industry, universities, entrepreneurs, and investors expand commercial space capabilities and develop innovative technologies. Participation in this rapidly evolving sector offers countries new opportunities to promote economic growth, strengthen innovation ecosystems, develop highly skilled workforces, improve public services, and increase international competitiveness.

While established spacefaring nations continue to lead many aspects of the sector, an increasing number of emerging space nations are developing national space policies, institutions, and commercial capabilities to support their participation in the global space economy. Many of these countries are seeking trusted international partners that can help strengthen institutional capacity, foster entrepreneurship, expand commercial opportunities, and develop the next generation of scientists, engineers, business leaders, and policymakers.

Although numerous bilateral partnerships already exist among governments, universities, research institutions, and private companies, these relationships are often developed separately from international legal and policy debates on civil and commercial space at the UN, limiting the cross-pollination of technical standards, best practices, and policy approaches between global forums like COPUOS and regional or bilateral initiatives.

The United States possesses one of the world's most dynamic and integrated space ecosystems, combining government leadership, world-class universities, research institutions, innovative startups, established commercial companies, investors, nonprofit organizations, and international partnerships. By connecting partner countries with this broad ecosystem, the United States can improve alignment between U.S. and foreign partners’ policy approaches to UN forums like

COPUOS, while strengthening national space ecosystems and promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, commercial engagement, workforce development, and mutually beneficial economic partnerships.

As the home of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and the United

Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), Vienna provides a unique multilateral platform for fostering these partnerships. Building upon the successful inaugural

U.S. Space Forum in 2025, the U.S. Mission to the International Organizations in Vienna

(UNVIE) is launching Project Constellation: Building a Constellation of Outer Space Partners at the United Nations as a long-term international partnership platform that strengthens collaboration among governments, industry, academia, entrepreneurs, and international organizations while supporting capacity building in emerging space economies that advances practical implementation of international obligations and non-binding guidelines and best practices adopted through COPUOS.

Consistent with the objectives of Economic Support Funds (ESF), Project Constellation seeks to strengthen innovation ecosystems, promote entrepreneurship and commercial engagement, build institutional and workforce capacity, and expand economic opportunities through sustainable international partnerships.

The U.S. Department of State, U.S Mission to International Organizations in Vienna (UNVIE) announces an open competition for organizations (see eligibility information in C.1) interested in submitting an application to implement a project aimed at.

B. Eligibility

1. Eligible Applicants

The following organizations are eligible to apply:

• Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status

• Public and private educational institutions

• For-profit organizations

To be considered for funding under this opportunity, applicant SHALL:

• Have demonstrated previous experience designing and delivering international training, capacity building, workforce development, educational exchanges, or public diplomacy programming on U.S. civil and/or commercial space activities. This should be addressed withing the project narrative section of your application.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

The non-Federal share of costs, frequently called “cost share” or “matching costs”, refers to that portion of the program or program costs not borne by the Federal Government. This may include cash and third-party in-kind contributions. These costs must reflect the realistic capacity of the applicants and any third-party contributors.

Providing cost sharing, matching, or cost participation is encouraged but not an eligibility factor or requirement for this NOFO and providing cost share will not be a consideration factor in the merit review (see section F.) Per 2 CFR §200.306, items that are proposed for cost share must be allowable per 2 CFR §200, Subpart E—Costs Principles.

3. 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.

Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization. If more than one proposal is submitted from an organization, only the first time-stamped application submission will be review for technical eligibility.

C. Program Description

1. Goals and Objectives

Goal:

To build a global constellation of partners that advances economic opportunity, innovation, and the peaceful and responsible use of outer space by connecting governments, industry, universities, entrepreneurs, and international organizations through enduring partnerships with the United States.

Project Constellation seeks to achieve the following objectives during the period of performance:

Objective 1 – Strengthen International Partnerships

Strengthen collaboration among governments, international organizations, industry, academia, entrepreneurs, and civil society and leverage this cooperation to drive closer alignment between foreign governments’ policy positions on civil and commercial space issues at COPUOS, UNGA, and other relevant multilateral fora.

Objective 2 – Build Capacity for Emerging Space Economies

Strengthen institutional, commercial, and workforce capacity through knowledge sharing, SME engagement, and related initiatives that improve awareness and understanding of foreign countries’ legal obligations under international space law; educate participants on U.S.

approaches to implementing those obligations, as well as non-binding UN best practices and guidelines; and highlight U.S. space-derived information and benefits available to the international community.

Objective 3 – Promote Innovation and Commercial Engagement

Expand opportunities for entrepreneurship, investment, technology collaboration, and commercial partnerships by identifying specific needs of partner countries and connecting them with the U.S. space ecosystem, including government agencies, private industry, universities, nonprofit organizations, and business associations.

Objective 4 – Increase Strategic Engagement

Increase awareness of U.S. policies, regulations, and priorities through strategic communications, digital engagement, and knowledge-sharing activities that highlight successful bilateral partnerships and showcase opportunities for collaboration.

Objective 5 – Establish a Sustainable Partnership Platform

Develop and sustain Project Constellation as a year-round international partnership platform that supports collaboration before, during, and after the annual U.S. Space Forum through digital engagement, professional networks, and ongoing partnership activities.

PROJECT DESIGN AND REQUIRED ACTIVITIES

The Department of State seeks to support a qualified implementing organization under a cooperative agreement to design, implement, and sustain Project Constellation, a long-term international partnership platform that advances economic opportunity, innovation, entrepreneurship, and capacity building through promoting U.S. policies and approaches and enhances policy alignment between U.S. and COPUOS Member States.

Working closely with UNVIE throughout the period of performance, the recipient will develop integrated programming that supports the project's strategic objectives while maintaining flexibility to adapt activities based on emerging opportunities, Department priorities, and partner-country needs.

Applicants are encouraged to propose innovative approaches that advance the objectives of

Project Constellation while remaining consistent with the required program components described in this NOFO.

Component 1 – U.S. Space Forum

Support planning and implementation of the annual U.S. Space Forum as the flagship convening event for Project Constellation. [Note: Planning for the 2026 Forum on October 15-16, 2026, is already underway and can serve as the venue to announce Project Constellation. Planning for the

2027-2028 Forums would be part of this award. The use of UN venue space in Vienna is free of charge, but other costs may be incurred.

Illustrative activities may include:

• Program design and logistical support.

• Speaker and stakeholder engagement.

• Government, industry, academic, and international organization participation.

• Business networking and partnership opportunities.

• Innovation showcases and thematic side events.

• Communications and media support.

Component 2 – Project Constellation Partnership Platform

Design, launch, and maintain a year-round digital platform that serves as the central hub for

Project Constellation activities. Activities can be held at the UN in Vienna or other regional hubs determined in consultation with recipient.

Illustrative features may include:

• Project website.

• Resource library.

• Country specific needs

• Embassy Partnership Spotlights.

• Event calendar.

• Webinar archive.

• Podcast.

• Community networking resources.

• Partnership opportunities.

• Digital storytelling and multimedia content.

The Project Constellation Partnership Platform will serve as the initiative's primary mechanism for year-round engagement by connecting partner countries through digital collaboration, knowledge resources, strategic communications, networking, and partnership development opportunities. Project Constellation will leverage the Department of State's global diplomatic network by encouraging U.S. embassies and missions to identify and share successful bilateral space partnerships, commercial collaborations, and capacity-building initiatives that can be highlighted through the Project Constellation Partnership Platform.

Component 3 – Strategic Partnerships and Commercial Engagement

Facilitate practical collaboration among governments, industry, SMEs, universities, entrepreneurs, nonprofit organizations, investors, and international organizations.

Building upon the Department of State's Partnership Opportunity Delegation (POD) framework and in coordination with the Office of Global Partnerships, as appropriate, the recipient should develop innovative approaches that enhance the ability of COPUOS Member States and delegates to understand and advocate at the international level for U.S. best practices for commercial space activities.

Illustrative activities may include:

• Innovation showcases.

• SME pitch competitions or innovation challenges.

• Startup accelerators or entrepreneurship workshops.

• University partnership exchanges.

• Public-private partnership development.

• Commercial networking events.

• Educational programming to export U.S. commercial space governance models to

COPUOS participants and delegations.

Component 4 – Capacity Building

Design scalable programming that promotes the development of safe, transparent, and commercially-oriented national space ecosystems through engagement with:

• Civil space agencies and relevant government stakeholders

• Economic development organizations.

• Commercial Industry associations.

• Entrepreneurs.

• Universities and technical institutes

• Young professionals.

Programming should be focused on improving the ability of COPUOS Member States (both

Vienna-based diplomats and national delegates to UN policymaking forums on space) to:

- understand their countries’ international obligations (for example, the obligation to register space objects with the United Nations and the obligation for governments to authorize and supervise the activities of their nationals in space);

- promote national implementation of non-binding best practices adopted by COPUOS

(such as the UN Guidelines for Long-Term Sustainability of Outer Space); and

- encourage the adoption by foreign countries of U.S. best practices for civil and commercial space activities.

When possible, programming should be held in coordination with existing or upcoming UN meetings or events (such as COPUOS and its Subcommittees) to maximize participation by foreign officials who will directly influence national policies and positions at UN negotiations on civil and commercial space.

Programming may include study tours, exchanges, workshops, webinars, leadership development, mentoring, technical exchanges, professional networking, and other activities that strengthen institutional and workforce capacity. Initiatives could include the development of material and activities that educates participants on the breadth and depth of space-derived information and data the United States publicly provides and how it can be used to address a countries’ specific needs. Capacity-building activities should strengthen national innovation ecosystems by expanding workforce skills, institutional capabilities, entrepreneurship, and commercial engagement that support long-term economic growth.

Component 5 – Strategic Communications

Develop a comprehensive communications strategy that highlights U.S. innovation, successful international partnerships, and opportunities for collaboration.

Illustrative activities may include:

• Project Constellation Podcast.

• Embassy Partnership Spotlights.

• Success stories highlighting bilateral collaboration.

• Video production.

• Digital campaigns.

• Multimedia storytelling.

• Social media engagement.

Component 6 – Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL)

Proposals should include a detailed MEL framework that describes how the proposed interventions, activities, and implementation method will achieve the following concrete goals:

• Increased number of COPUOS Member States who vocally support U.S. policy messages and/or voting positions at the United Nations on civil and commercial space;

• Increased number of COPUOS Member States who take practical measures to implement obligations under the Outer Space Treaty and the other three core space treaties through domestic law, policy, or practice;

• Increased number of COPUOS Member States who join the Artemis Accords or make practical contributions to U.S. civil space missions; and

• Increased number of COPUOS Member States who procure space-related goods and services from the U.S. commercial space industry, and who advocate for U.S.-aligned models for governing the commercial space sector.

U.S. Government Coordination

Project Constellation is intended to complement broader Department of State efforts to strengthen international cooperation in the civil and commercial space sectors. The recipient should anticipate regular collaboration with UNVIE throughout the period of performance, with opportunities for coordination, as appropriate, with the Bureau of Oceans and International

Environmental and Scientific Affairs (OES), the Department’s lead bureau for civil space policy, and the Office of Global Partnerships (GP), particularly in applying partnership models that foster collaboration among governments, industry, academia, philanthropy, and civil society.

Such coordination will help ensure that Project Constellation leverages Department expertise, aligns with U.S. foreign policy priorities, and builds sustainable international partnerships.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning

The recipient shall conduct an initial needs assessment and establish appropriate performance indicators, baselines, and targets in consultation with UNVIE. The Monitoring, Evaluation, and

Learning plan should include both quantitative and qualitative measures aligned with the project objectives and demonstrate progress in areas such as partnership development, institutional capacity, commercial engagement, workforce development, digital engagement, and sustainability.

The recipient should use evaluation findings to refine project implementation throughout the period of performance and identify opportunities to sustain successful partnerships beyond the life of the award.

Strategic Pillars

Pillar One: Partnerships

Strengthen international partnerships that advance the peaceful, responsible, and commercially beneficial uses of outer space by connecting governments, industry, academia, entrepreneurs, international organizations, and civil society.

2. Substantial Involvement

This award will be structured as a Cooperative Agreement, reflecting the substantial involvement of the U.S. Mission in program implementation. Examples of UNVIE responsibilities in a cooperative agreement may include:

• Provide strategic oversight and ensure alignment with U.S. foreign policy priorities, including advancing cooperation in high-technology sectors and supporting U.S.

leadership in space exploration;

• Assist in identifying relevant U.S. and international institutional, academic, or industry partners.

• Collaboration in establishing project objectives and approval of work plan, training modules, and other key deliverables;

• Collaboration in assessing progress and identifying issues that might affect the success of the project;

• Approval of key personnel and any subsequent changes in the positions during the life of the award; and

• Collaboration in the creation of any training and project promotion material

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 English

• All budgets are in U.S. dollars

• All pages are numbered, including budgets and attachments

• All documents are formatted to fit 8 ½ x 11 paper, and

• All documents are single-spaced, 14-point New Times Roman font, with 1-inch margins.

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

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) (Optional for PIOs/FPEs)

• SF-424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs) (Optional for PIOs/FPEs)

2. Summary Page (optional-Not to exceed one (1) page)

Cover sheet stating the applicant’s name and organization, proposal date, program title, proposed start and end date, target country/countries, point of contact name, and brief purpose of the program including intended outcome/result.

3. Proposal (15 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.

• Introduction to the Organization or Individual applying: A description of past and present operations, showing ability to carry out the program, including information on previous awards 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

• 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.

• Goals and Objectives: The “goals” describe what the program is intended to achieve. Goals do not include timelines or methods for achievement. Goals are general statements of desired result. “Objectives,” unlike goals, are brief clear statements that describe the intermediate accomplishments on the way to the goals. Objectives are applicant focused and should be SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

• Activities or Work Plan: Describe the actions needed under the objectives. Should be clearly developed and sufficiently explain the resources and time requirements identified

(inputs) and things done or produced (outputs). Where appropriate, identify target areas, or where actions are happening, participant groups or selection criteria for participants; how relevant stakeholders will be engaged; actions taken by consultants, sub-recipients or vendors as appropriate/relevant.

• Outcomes: The results or effects of the objective(s). What are the detailed, measurable statements that outline the end results? Outcomes are target-audience focused. What will the benefitting individuals, countries or audiences have learned, accomplished or be able to do after the project has been completed? Collectively, outcomes advance or further the program goal.

• Risk Analysis: Identify the internal and external risks associated with the proposed project, rate the likelihood of the risks, rate the potential impact of the risks on the project, and identify actions that could help mitigate the risks.

• Project Schedule and Timeline: The proposed timeline for the program should include activities, evaluation efforts, and program closeout. Sufficient time should be included to conduct and finalize internal/external evaluations and allow any sub-recipients time for final reporting, as applicable. Include the dates, times, and locations of planned activities and events. Can be submitted as a standalone document to save on page count.

• Key Personnel: Names, titles, roles and experience/qualifications of key personnel involved in the program. Represents staff within your organization or outside of your organization carrying out administrative and/or technical responsibilities, who are integral to the success of the program. Includes short bios that highlight relevant professional experience. Approval to changes in key personnel are only required if identified by name or position within the proposal. However, the requirement to notify the absences/disengagement of the PI/PD still stands.

• Project Partners: List the names and type of involvement of key partner organizations and sub-awardees. Can be submitted as a standalone document to save on page count.

• Project Monitoring and Evaluation Plan: This is an important part of successful grants.

Throughout the timeframe of the grant, how will the activities be monitored to ensure they are happening in a timely manner, and how will the program be evaluated to make sure it is meeting the goals of the grant? Consider the internal and external risks associated with the proposed project and identify actions that could help mitigate the risks. Can be submitted as a standalone document to save on page count.

• Future Funding or Sustainability Applicant’s plan for continuing the program beyond the grant period, or the availability of other resources, if applicable. Include ways program activities will ensure sustainability.

4. Detailed Itemized Budget

Applicants not recognized as Public International Organizations or Governmental Institutions are required to submit detailed budget information according to the OMB cost categories (see SF-

424A). Budget expenses should be submitted preferably as one Excel workbook and include three (3) columns describing the request to the Bureau, any required or voluntary cost sharing, and the total budget. Costs must be in whole U.S. dollars. The attached “Budget Template FY26 with MTDC Calculation_Final)” is the preferred format for submission. Detailed itemized budgets for sub-grantees should be included as additional tabs within the Excel workbook (if available at the time of submission).

Applicants recognized as FPEs or PIOs are not required to submit detailed budget information according to the OMB cost categories. A detailed budget broken down by activity may be provided instead. Costs must be in U.S. dollars.

5. Budget Justification Narrative

After filling out the itemized budget, use a separate file to document the purpose each of the budget expenses in detail. Do not simply repeat what is represented numerically in the detailed budget, i.e. salaries are for salaries or travel is for travel. If the detailed budget includes sub-awards, please include a separate budget narrative for each sub-award budget. Provide details on the purpose of costs, reasonability of costs, cost price analysis, allocation methodology, explain any yearly variances in unit prices, and tie expenses to program activities and/or objectives where appropriate. Provide information on considerations such as translations, multi-media approaches as also described in the proposal narrative, procurement by local vendors or the need to import due to unavailability, specific needs of different audiences, costs related to country limitations, etc.

6. Attachments

• Letters of support from program partners describing the roles and responsibilities of each partner

• If your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) and includes

NICRA charges in the budget, include your latest NICRA as a PDF file.

• Official permission letters, if required for program activities.

E. Submission Requirements and Deadlines

1. Address to Request Application Package

Applicants can find required forms and submission pack kits needed to apply on grants.gov and

MyGrants under the announcement title “Project Constellation: Building a Constellation of

Outer Space Partners at the United Nations,” funding opportunity number OFOP0003546.

2. Department of State Contacts

If you have any questions about the application process or technical questions related to this opportunity, please contact: ViennaUNVIEConstellation@state.gov.

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

Required Registrations

All organizations, whether based in the United States or in another country, must have a Unique

Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration 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 http://www.grants.gov/ https://mygrants.service-now.com/grants/portal_login.do 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 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. Numerous errors require correction, such as an address mismatch, and can delay final registration. If the application is not corrected within 90 calendar days of original registration/or renewal submission, it will be automatically deleted and the organization will need to re-start the process.

• 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.

Organizations based outside of the United States and that DO plan to do business with the DoD in addition to Department of State should follow the below instructions:

Step 1: Apply for an NCAGE code by following the instructions on the NSPA NATO website linked below:

NCAGE Homepage:

https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/sc/CageList.aspx https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fsd.gov%2Fgsafsd_sp%3Fid%3Dgsafsd_kb_articles%26sys_id%3Dc81018e71b1601d0937fa64ce54bcb57&data=05%7C01%7Cfjeldkk%40state.gov%7C0cc4e2b471f44abcd32308db093ecead%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C638113937577534024%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=W2ShcazZBQbanYGj0cLOTnUJwv%2BGL4xfwr83%2BycQY2E%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fsd.gov%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cfjeldkk%40state.gov%7C0cc4e2b471f44abcd32308db093ecead%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C638113937577534024%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=t32ANWzgpiB93pMWoq%2BFCSHz4YJY9QF1S1iQzCsS6RM%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Feportal.nspa.nato.int%2FAC135Public%2Fscage%2FCageList.aspx&data=05%7C01%7Cfjeldkk%40state.gov%7C0cc4e2b471f44abcd32308db093ecead%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C638113937577534024%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=v3TLT8F%2FNfk5SuTcI2zw7SMhV4HK542OhP9XDx4ln%2BY%3D&reserved=0

NCAGE Code Request Tool (NCRT):

NCAGE Code Request Tool (nato.int)

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.

4. Submission Dates and Times

Applications are due no later than September 4, 2026, 5:00PM Vienna, Austria time

(GMT+2) under the announcement title Project Constellation funding opportunity number

OFOP0003546.

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.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that it has an active registration in grants.gov or MyGrants and that an application has been received by the system in its entirety.

Application submissions are automatically logged by date and time when made in Grants.gov and MyGrants, 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. Applicants should not expect a notification upon receipt of their application.

UNVIE bears no responsibility for disqualification that results from applicants not being registered before the due date, for registration errors in either system, or other errors in the application process.

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:

https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/Codification/CageTool/home https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25/subpart-A/section-25.110

1) 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;

2) 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:

1) 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.

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:

1) 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);

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).

2) 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.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-175

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 their 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.

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

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

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

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) 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;

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

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

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.].

https://www.sam.gov/ https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fuscode.house.gov%2Fview.xhtml%3Freq%3Dgranuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title41-section3901%26num%3D0%26edition%3Dprelim&data=05%7C02%7CCarbullidoCC%40state.gov%7C237266465ee34b736eaf08de3442d869%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C639005658853841398%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=vOOQC%2FqEnM0FmwOBiz0sKQU2rkL0QZZz6YPZDhMeP3o%3D&reserved=0

vi. Promoting Human Flourishing in Foreign Assistance (PHFFA)

Applicants for foreign assistance awards should be aware of requirements in 2 CFR Part

602, 603, and 604.

These policies are referred to collectively as the Promoting Human Flourishing in

Foreign Assistance (PHFFA) Policy.

602: The award term imposes certain abortion-related requirements on foreign nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), United States NGOs, public international organizations, foreign governments, and parastatals.

603: The award term imposes certain requirements relating to gender ideology on foreign nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), United States NGOs, international organizations, foreign governments, and parastatals.

604: The award term imposes certain requirements relating to discriminatory equity ideology on foreign nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), United States NGOs, international organizations, foreign governments, and parastatals.

The Department recognizes there are costs associated with these policies. Potential one-time and recurring costs the Department identifies for recipients and grantees are for familiarization with the policy, development and delivery of organizational training and implementation guidance, routine compliance monitoring, and recordkeeping and reporting requirements.

UNVIE will communicate any additional country specific funding restrictions with the recipient.

6. Other Submission Requirements

All application materials must be submitted by email to

ViennaUNVIEConstellation@state.gov or Applications may be submitted electronically through www.Grants.gov or MyGrants

Applicants using MyGrants for the first time will need their “New Organization

Registration.” To register with MyGrants, navigate to https://MyGrants.servicenowservices.com and click “Create an Account” under “New User?”

On the pop-up select “Create a MyGrants Applicant/Grantee Account” and complete all required fields. Once completed, an email will be sent to verify the account creation followed by an Okta Account set-up which will require the use of a smartphone for multi-factor authentication (MFA). If an applicant does not have accessibility to a smartphone during the time of account creation, please contact the helpdesk.

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/27/2026-01519/protecting-life-in-foreign-assistance https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/27/2026-01516/combating-gender-ideology-in-foreign-assistance https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/27/2026-01517/combating-discriminatory-equity-ideology-in-foreign-assistance-rules mailto:ViennaUNVIEConstellation@state.gov

MyGrants Help Desk:

For assistance with MyGrants accounts and technical issues related to the system, please contact the ILMS help desk by phone at +1 (888) 313-4567 (toll charges apply for international callers) or through the Self Service online portal that can be accessed from

ILMS Self Service Portal. Customer support is available 24/7.

Grants.gov Applications:

Applicants who do not submit applications via MyGrants may submit via www.grants.gov.

The individual registered in sam.gov as the EBiz POC must be the individual to create the grants.gov account using the same email address as used in sam.gov and add a profile with grants.gov using the UEI. The EBiz POC can then delegate administrative roles to other users. Read the Help article, Manage Roles for Applicant, for instructions.

More information can be found at Applicant Registration, which includes workspace overview, how to apply for grants, track my application and applicant training.

Note: Grants.gov recommends using Adobe Acrobat Reader for Windows or MAC OS.

Adobe Reader version 9.x is no longer compatible for use with grants.gov workspace PDF forms.

Applicants will receive a validation e-mail from Grants.gov upon the successful submission of an application. Validation of an electronic submission via Grants.gov can take up to two business days. Applicants are strongly encouraged to take a screenshot of the checklist showing submission of all documents in case any document fails to upload successfully and as proof for the helpdesk.

Grants.gov Helpdesk:

For assistance with Grants.gov, please call the Contact Center at +1 (800) 518-4726 or email support@grants.gov. The Contact Center is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, except federal holidays.

See https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/federal-holidays/ for a list of federal holidays.

F. Application Review Information

1. Review Criteria

UNVIE’s review panel will evaluate each application individually against the criteria listed below, in order of importance, and not against competing applications.

Please use the below criteria as a reference, but do not structure your application according to the sub-sections.

Quality and Feasibility of the Program Idea – 30 points: The program idea is well developed, with detail about how program activities will be carried out. The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline. The proposal does not include any activities contrary to any standing

Executive Orders. For a full list, see https://www.federalregister.gov/.

Organizational Capacity and Record on Previous Grants – 20 points: The organization has expertise in its stated field and has the internal controls in place to manage federal funds. This includes a financial management system and a bank account. If sub-awards are proposed, applicant demonstrates experience managing subawards. If sub-awardees are included, they will be evaluated on a pass/fail basis for this criteria.

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

Budget – 10 points: The budget justification is detailed. Costs are reasonable in relation to the proposed activities and anticipated results. The budget is realistic, accounting for all necessary expenses to achieve proposed activities.

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

Sustainability – 10 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

The Department of State is committed to ensuring a competitive and standardized process for awarding funding. Applications will be screened initially in a Technical Eligibility Review stage to determine whether applicants meet the eligibility requirements outlined in section C and have submitted all required documents outlined in section D. Applications that do not meet these requirements will not advance beyond the Technical Eligibility Review stage and will be deemed ineligible for funding under this NOFO.

https://www.federalregister.gov/

All applications that are deemed eligible will move forward to the Merit Review Panel consisting of U.S. government subject matter and/or country-specific experts and will be rated on a 100-point scale.

Panel Reviewers will determine scores based on the strengths and weaknesses of the aforementioned categories and for consistency with the program goals and objectives outlined in this NOFO. Panel Reviewers’ ratings, and any resulting recommendations, are advisory. Panel Reviewers may provide conditions and recommendations on applications to enhance the proposed project, which must be addressed by the applicant before further consideration of the award. To ensure effective use of US Government funds, conditions or recommendations may include requests to increase, decrease, clarify, and/or justify costs and project activities.

UNVIE reserves the right to make an award based on the initial application received with or without discussion or negotiations.