USDA McGovern-Dole USDA-FAS-0700-10.608-D.pdf

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) – Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) Global Programs

McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program

Limited Merit-Based Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for Guatemala and

Honduras

NOTE: If you are going to apply for this funding opportunity and have not obtained a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number and/or are not currently registered in the System for Award Management (SAM), please take immediate action to obtain a DUNS Number, if applicable, and then to register immediately in SAM at www.sam.gov. It may take 4 weeks or more after you submit your SAM registration before your registration is active in SAM. Detailed information regarding DUNS and SAM is also provided in Section D of this NOFO, subsection, Content and Form of Application Submission.

A. Program Description

Issued By

Foreign Agricultural Service, Global Programs, International Food Assistance Division

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Numbers 10.608

CFDA Title McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Title

FY 2021 McGovern-Dole Limited Merit Based NOFO for Guatemala and

NOFO Number

USDA-FAS-0700-10.608-D

Authorizing Authority for Program McGovern-Dole is authorized by section 3107 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 1736o-1).

Appropriation Authority for Program

• Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020, Public Law 116-94

• Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2019 PL 116-6 http://www.sam.gov/ https://beta.sam.gov/fal/d5a23b6a80e1a279d741c841a43d7ae6/view https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?hl=false&edition=prelim&req=granuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title7-section1736o-1&num=0&saved=%7CKHRpdGxlOjcgc2VjdGlvbjoxNzM2byBlZGl0aW9uOnByZWxpbSk%3D%7C%7C%7C0%7Cfalse%7Cprelim

• Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 PL 115-141

• Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2017 PL 115-31

• Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016 PL 114-113

• Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 PL 113-235

• Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014 PL 113-76

• Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2013 PL 113-6

• Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2012 PL 112-55

• Department of Defense and Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011 112-

• Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related

Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010, PL 111-80

• Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009 PL 111-8

• Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2008 PL 110-161

• Revised Continuing Appropriations Act, 2007 110-S

• Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related

Agencies Appropriations Act, 2006 PL 109-97

• Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2005 PL 108–447

• Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2004 PL 108-199

• Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2003 PL 108-07

Announcement Type

One-time Limited Supplement–SUBJECT TO THE AVAILABILITY OF

FUNDING

Program Overview, Objectives, and Priorities

Program Overview

The McGovern-Dole program feeds school children and improves literacy (especially for girls) in low-income, food-deficit countries around the world. The program provides for the donation of U.S. agricultural commodities, as well as financial and technical assistance, to support school feeding, literacy, maternal and child health and nutrition projects worldwide pursuant to an agreement with USDA-FAS. The program requires the inclusion of graduation as stipulated in the legislation.

Program Objectives

The McGovern-Dole program key objectives are to carry out:

• Preschool and school food for education programs in foreign countries to improve food security, reduce the incidence of hunger, and improve literacy and primary education, particularly with respect to girls; and

• Maternal, infant, and child nutrition programs for pregnant women, nursing mothers, infants, and children who are five years of age or younger.

Program Priorities

The program funding priorities of this NOFO are to support active McGovern-Dole cooperative agreements in Guatemala and Honduras through a limited competitive process with prior year McGovern-Dole funds. Within the parameters of the McGovern-Dole authorizing legislation and program objectives, this additional funding should be used to expand and strengthen food for education programs in Guatemala and Honduras, reduce the incidence of hunger and improve literacy education, thereby indirectly reducing the incidence of irregular migration to the United States. Country-specific guidance is provided in Appendix B. Given that prior year funds will be used, these funds cannot be used for the local and regional procurement of agricultural commodities. In addition, USDA is making available at least $150,000 in prior year funding to support an activity that incorporates the use of recently developed potable water technologies in a school feeding project.

B. Federal Award Information

Award Amounts, Important Dates, and Extensions

Estimated Total Funding: Up to $30,000,000;

$20,000,000 for projects in Guatemala and $10,000,000 for projects in Honduras –

SUBJECT TO THE

AVAILABILITY OF

FUNDING

Estimated Funding per Award: Approximately $1,000,000 -

$10,000,000

Estimated Number of Awards: 1 - 4; SUBJECT TO THE

AVAILABILITY OF

FUNDING AND NEED OF

APPLICANTS

Projected Period of Performance Start Date(s): Applicable to base award

Projected Period of Performance: Applicable to base award.

Extensions not to exceed two years (24 months) from current end date of the existing award will be considered on an agreement-by-agreement basis.

Pre-Award Costs: N/A

Cost Share or Match Requirements: None/Not Required

All projects in this announcement will be funded subject to the availability of funding. Issuance of this solicitation does not constitute an award or commitment on the part of the United States Government (USG) to make awards, nor does it commit the USG to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of a concept note or full application.

Funding Instrument

Cooperative Agreement

Additional funding provided under this announcement will be incorporated within the corresponding McGovern-Dole cooperative agreement held by the Applicant.

FAS maintains substantial involvement as described in the original NOFO.

Procurement contracts or subawards may be awarded under this cooperative agreement. Procurement contracts must have an operational or administrative objective and subawards must be related to achieving objectives of project activities. Please note that no subaward or contract may include personnel costs of the prime award recipient.

C. Eligibility Information

Eligible Applicants

Current McGovern-Dole award recipients with active McGovern-Dole cooperative agreements in Guatemala or Honduras. (See Appendix I: Document Checklist).

Pursuant to 2 CFR Part 415.1(d)(3), this NOFO supports continuing work already started under the base McGovern-Dole award.

All Applicants must have an active registration in the SAM database at www.sam.gov – pending or expired registrants are not eligible. This requirement must be met by the closing date of the announcement and will not be waived.

https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=4dee04dbdd38b0af8305b27b4b3843b0&mc=true&node=pt2.1.415&rgn=div5#se2.1.415_11 https://sam.gov/SAM/

Please contact MGDAmendments@usda.gov if you have questions about this requirement.

Other Submission Requirements and Information

For an application to be considered complete, the Applicant must have all required content and forms as listed in Part D Section 3, Content and Form of Application Submission, by the closing date of the announcement. Incomplete applications will not be considered. As specified in this NOFO, an Applicant must also submit required information to SAM.gov.

All Applicants and subrecipients must comply with the conflict of interest requirements in 2 CFR section 400.2.

Note: The required forms vary depending on whether an Applicant is a domestic entity, a foreign organization, or a foreign public entity. An Applicant must submit all the forms that are required to the category of entity to which it belongs.

Maintenance of Effort (MOE)

MOE is not allowable.

Cost Share or Match Not required but must be consistent with the corresponding McGovern-Dole cooperative agreement held by the Applicant.

D. Application and Submission Information

1. Key Dates and Times

Application Start Date: May 28, 2021

Question Submission Deadline: July 2, 2021

5:00:00 PM EDT

Questions regarding this request for applications will be considered to the extent practicable and should be submitted to MGDAmendments@usda.gov. Please include “FY 2021 McGovern-Dole Limited Merit NOFO” in the subject line. Responses to questions will be posted on Grants.gov on a weekly basis.

Application Submission Deadline: July 9, 2021

5:00:00 PM EDT

Anticipated Award Date: Not later than October 30, 2021 mailto:MGDAmendments@usda.gov https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=37dfa7a88e108d7bdc196b2711cefe4f&mc=true&node=pt2.1.400&rgn=div5#se2.1.400_12

2. Address to Request Application Package This NOFO represents the full application information. If an Applicant does not have access to the Internet or experiences trouble accessing Grants.gov, the applicant can request a hardcopy of the full NOFO by emailing MGDAmendments@usda.gov, calling (202) 720-1008 between 9:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. EDT or by contacting FAS in writing at the address below. Questions concerning this announcement must be submitted via email to MGDAmendments@usda.gov.

McGovern-Dole Branch Director 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Room 6970 Washington, DC 20250

3. Content and Form of Application Submission

a. Required Content and Form of Application Submission Applicants should apply following the guidelines below:

• A Letter of Interest for the Application to the Limited Merit Based NOFO number on the organization’s letterhead, signed by the appropriate official, containing a statement identifying the current agreement number and program to which this proposal/application for additional funding corresponds to and the total amount of additional commodity requested.

• A Concept Note (maximum 10 pages)

• A revised Plan of Operations as applicable to the application

• An updated Performance Indicators as applicable to the application

• A commodity management narrative, only if the request is seeking additional commodity and/or freight funds to call forward additional commodities;

o Note: this narrative should briefly describe how additional commodities will be transported, stored, managed and have no substantial disincentive to the local market. It should provide an updated commodity call forward schedule. It should also include commodity specifications as well as container and packaging requirements. (I.e. please state commodity requirements as “fortified 5/20 LG rice in 50 kg bags” vs “fortified rice”.)

• An updated Budget Summary;

o Note: this document should describe the new proposed total Federal obligation: existing funds plus requested supplemental funds.

• An updated Budget Narrative describing both the existing funds and how the requested supplemental funding will be used;

o Note, an updated budget narrative will be applicable if: 1) the original agreement had a budget narrative or 2) the requested supplemental funding will result in a significant change in scope from the original agreement and/or more than $1 million in supplemental administrative funds are added to the agreement.

o Please also include a description of how the indirect costs were calculated. (See Appendix A for instructions)

• Applicant’s most recently approved NICRA agreement (See Appendix A for additional instructions)

• SF- 424, signed by the Applicant o Note: this document should describe the new proposed total Federal obligation: existing funds plus requested supplemental funds.

• If applicable, an SF-424A (See Appendix A for instructions) o Note, an SF-424A will be applicable if the base agreement was signed in FY 20. Applicants with existing agreements signed in FY 2019 or earlier will not be required to submit the SF-424A.

o If applicable, this document should describe the new proposed total Federal obligation: existing funds plus requested supplemental funds.

• SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying (required if Applicant is involved in lobbying activities and the supplemental funds requested are greater than $100,000.)

Please be aware that OMB Memorandum 18-24: Strategies to Reduce Grant Recipient Reporting Burden has been approved. Various required forms needed to apply for Federal Financial Assistance no longer need to be completed individually at time of application. They are covered in the Financial Assistance General Representations and Certifications Report.

Effective January 1, 2020, the Financial Assistance General Representations and Certification Report is a common set of certifications and representations required by Federal statutes or regulations in accordance with the grants guidance under Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations (2 CFR section 200.208 Certifications and Representations). Those non-Federal entities who intend to apply for, or are already recipients of Federal grants or agreements, must read and agree to the corresponding certifications and representations. Registrants who reply yes to the question are required to keep these certifications and representations current, accurate, and complete as part of their entity registration.

All of the terms do not apply to foreign entities, however, all entity types receiving financial assistance from FAS must respond yes because the Lobbying Disclosure term does apply to foreign entities along with being registered in SAM. All other terms do not apply to foreign entities.

FAS will verify in SAM.gov that the proper forms are completed, and if not, an Applicant will be contacted and directed to complete them. A supplement amendment will not be issued until the proper forms are completed within SAM.gov.

https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/SF424_2_1-V2.1.pdf https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html https://www.gsa.gov/Forms/TrackForm/33144 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=7afb0c0828c3355d943fd0de9f2fdff6&mc=true&node=se2.1.200_1208&rgn=div8

b. Content Guidance

i. Concept Note (maximum 10 pages)

The Concept Note contains background information and justification statement on how additional funding will be used within the scope of the McGovern-Dole program objectives. The Concept Note should prioritize addressing challenges identified in Guatemala and Honduras, expanding the number of beneficiaries, and strengthening McGovern-Dole-supported activities under current active agreements. The Concept Note should include the following:

Strategic Analysis

The Strategic Analysis should summarize the need for expanding and strengthening current McGovern-Dole activities. Applicants should include information on the drivers of out-migration, the needs of the targeted beneficiaries, and the progress towards and challenges to sustainability/ graduation. The analysis should be supported by past program evaluations (baseline, mid-term, and/or any relevant impact or other evaluations) and performance reports. From these reports, the Applicant should identify any lessons learned about activities and strategies that have been successful or unsuccessful regarding sustainability and effectiveness. The Applicant should cite evidence to identify any potential external agricultural, economic, political, or other opportunities and constraints that have impacted or may impact project activities. The Applicant should present a succinct description and justification that demonstrates how the proposed intervention will address the needs of the targeted beneficiaries. Applicants must address how extended and expanded activities are relevant to increasing outcomes of the current agreement. The Strategic Analysis should also capture if any additional U.S.

donated commodities will be requested as part of the additional funds.

Coordination and Sustainability

The Coordination and Sustainability statement should show how the proposed expansion and extension will increase outcomes of the existing cooperative agreement, and contribute to sustainable, long-lasting positive impacts. USDA encourages continued collaboration with the stakeholders in the sector and the development of innovative country-specific solutions that address the drivers of out-migration. Applicants must describe how they will coordinate with other relevant USG and other public and private funded projects and initiatives.

ii. Revised Plan of Operation

The Applicant should clearly identify and describe the components of the active cooperative agreement which would be expanded and strengthened with additional funding. The description of each activity to be extended and/or expanded should accurately capture the number of beneficiaries, how the activity will be implemented, and intended outcomes. The extended and/or expanded activities should be evidence-based and address the needs identified in the Strategic Analysis.

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

Each Applicant, unless excepted under 2 CFR Part 25.110(b) or (c), or that has an exception approved by FAS under 2 CFR Part 25.110(d), is required to:

• Be registered in SAM before the closing date of this announcement.

• Provide a valid a unique entity identifier (DUNS number) in its application.

• Always continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information during which the Applicant has an active Federal award or an application or plan under consideration by FAS.

All Applicants must have an active registration in the SAM database at www.sam.gov – pending or expired registrants are not eligible. This requirement must be met by the closing date of the announcement and will not be waived.

Applicants without an active SAM registration will be found ineligible and the application will NOT be considered for funding. Each subrecipient organization must also have active SAM registrations before the subaward is signed, unless the organization has an exemption approved by FAS under 2 CFR Part 25.110(d).

DUNS number Instructions for obtaining a DUNS number can be found at the following website:

http://www.dnb.com/duns-number.html

The DUNS number must be included in the data entry field labeled "Organizational DUNS" on the Standard Forms (SF)–424 forms submitted as part of this application.

If you experience difficulties accessing information or have any questions, please submit them via email to: FFPrAmendments@usda.gov https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=aad5195c7e88429c342a2f11d4a2a8ed&mc=true&node=pt2.1.25&rgn=div5#se2.1.25_1110 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=aad5195c7e88429c342a2f11d4a2a8ed&mc=true&node=pt2.1.25&rgn=div5#se2.1.25_1110 http://www.sam.gov/ https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=1544912490d168f4cd6580ac64b572cf&mc=true&node=se2.1.25_1110&rgn=div8 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=1544912490d168f4cd6580ac64b572cf&mc=true&node=se2.1.25_1110&rgn=div8 http://www.dnb.com/duns-number.html mailto:FFPrAmendments@usda.gov

The Federal awarding agency may not make a Federal award to an Applicant until the Applicant has complied with all applicable DUNS and SAM requirements and, if an Applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time the Federal awarding agency is ready to make a Federal award, the Federal awarding agency may determine that the Applicant is not qualified to receive a Federal award and use that determination as a basis for making a Federal award to another Applicant.

5. Intergovernmental Review

This program is not subject to E.O. 12372.

6. Funding Restrictions

Generally, funds may not be used in any manner that is prohibited by 2 CFR Part 200, 2 CFR Part 400, and 7 CFR Part 1599.

Funds awarded under this NOFO must support the base agreement and may not be used for any other purpose. Cooperative agreement funds and non-monetary support may not be used for matching contributions for other federal grants or cooperative agreements, lobbying, or intervention in federal regulatory or adjudicatory proceedings. Federal employees are prohibited from serving in any capacity (paid or unpaid) on any proposal submitted under this program. Federal employees may not receive funds under this award. Also, federal funds may not be used to sue the Federal Government or any other government entity.

a. Management and Administration (M&A) Costs:

M&A costs may be considered for applications requesting an extension to the period of performance. M&A costs are not operational costs but are necessary costs incurred in direct support of the cooperative agreement or as a consequence of it, such as travel, meeting-related expenses, and salaries of full/part-time staff in direct support of the program. Proposed M&A costs should be included in the budget realignment and budget narrative.

b. Indirect Facilities & Administrative (F&A) Costs.

Indirect F&A costs means those costs incurred for a common or joint purpose benefiting more than one cost objective and not readily assignable to the cost objectives specifically benefited without effort disproportionate to the results achieved.

In general, USDA Departmental Regulation 2255-001 requires that indirect costs be paid pursuant to a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) that the recipient has in place with a cognizant U.S. Government agency. If the recipient does not have a NICRA, USDA will authorize an indirect cost rate of up to 10% of Modified Total Direct Costs.

https://sam.gov/SAM/ https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=cc1f1975b580beec7a43dad42d4434fd&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5#se2.1.200_146 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=cc1f1975b580beec7a43dad42d4434fd&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5#se2.1.200_146 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=cc1f1975b580beec7a43dad42d4434fd&mc=true&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2chapterIV.tpl https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=9dfff371eeaeee4cef83c4cee94eeee5&mc=true&node=pt7.10.1599&rgn=div5

7. Other Submission Requirements

Submissions must be received by the closing date and time via email to:

MGDAmendments@usda.gov

E. Application Review Information

1. Application Evaluation Criteria

Prior to making a Federal award, the Federal awarding agency is required by 31 U.S.C. 3321 and 41 U.S.C. 2313 to review information available through any OMB-designated repositories of government-wide eligibility qualification or financial integrity information. Therefore, application evaluation criteria may include the following risk-based considerations of the applicant: (1) financial stability; (2) quality of management systems and ability to meet management standards; (3) history of performance in managing federal award; (4) reports and findings from audits; and (5) ability to effectively implement statutory, regulatory, or other requirements.

USDA will conduct a merit review of all applications received that comply with the instructions in this NOFO. Applications will be evaluated on the content areas outlined in Table 1, using the points specified in the same table.

Performance Factors

In addition to the content submitted by the Applicant, the following performance factors, if applicable, will be considered by the review panel in determining a score for this section:

• FAS or another USG agency has formally expressed concerns, either via letter or email, regarding the Applicant’s past performance of a CCC- or FAS-funded project.

• FAS or another USG agency has terminated an agreement with the Applicant within the past three years as a result of a violation of the agreement by the Applicant.

• The Applicant failed to pay a single substantial debt, or a number of outstanding debts (not including sums owed to the USG under the Internal Revenue Code) owed to any Federal agency or instrumentality, provided the debt is uncontested by the Applicant or, if contested, provided that the Applicant’s legal and administrative remedies have been exhausted. (This information will be sought by FAS within FAPIIS.gov.)

• The Applicant failed to submit to FAS, or submitted after the due date, at least two required reports within the past three years. Required documentation includes semiannual performance reports, semiannual financial reports, A-133 audits, subrecipient agreements, and any other documentation required under an agreement between the Applicant and CCC or FAS.

• The Applicant has, on at least two occasions within the past three years, failed to respond, or responded late, to a FAS deadline for documents required during a compliance review or during the closeout of an agreement between the Applicant and CCC or FAS, or failed to notify FAS of commodity losses within 15 days.

• The Applicant has been designated high-risk by FAS (per 2 CFR section 200.205), another Federal government agency (as designated in SAM.gov), or an external auditor within the past three years or the organization’s most recent A-133 audit identifies material weaknesses or significant deficiencies.

• The Applicant was responsible for a commodity loss valued at $20,000 or greater, under an agreement between the Applicant and CCC or FAS, during the past three years.

This review will include reviewing audit reports, publicly available materials and/or government databases and may have a bearing on award outcome. FAS may request additional materials from the Applicant as part of this review, including:

• The summary letter from the Applicant’s most recent audit report; and

• Documentation of previous grant award completion that includes the name of the grantor, amount awarded, and whether the grant recipient sufficiently completed the requirements of the grant award (e.g., a final close-out report, certification of grant award completion, etc.)

Prior to making a Federal award, the Federal awarding agency is required by 31 U.S.C. 3321 and 41 U.S.C. 2313 to review information available through any OMB-designated repositories of government-wide eligibility qualification or financial integrity information. Therefore, application evaluation criteria may include the following risk-based considerations of the Applicant: (1) financial stability; (2) quality of management systems and ability to meet management standards; (3) history of performance in managing federal award; (4) reports and findings from audits; and (5) ability to effectively implement statutory, regulatory, or other requirements.

Table 1: Content and Points Evaluation Criteria Points Available

Concept Note 50

Revised Plan of Operation 15

Budget Realignment 25

Performance Factors 10

Total Available Points 100

2. Review and Selection Process

a. Review Process The Grants Office will conduct an initial responsiveness review of all applications submitted to determine if the submission is complete and followed the rules outlined in this announcement. This review will ensure the following:

• The application was submitted on time as specified in this announcement (See Section D. Application and Submission Information).

• The Applicant is eligible (see Section C. Eligibility Information).

• All the required forms and documents are submitted timely as outlined

(See Section D. Application and Submission Information, Content and Form of Application Submission).

If an Applicant is determined to be ineligible (see Section C. Eligibility Information) or an application is determined to be non-responsive, FAS will notify the Applicant.

The eligible and complete applications will be reviewed as described below:

• FAS will assemble a panel committee consisting of three technical reviewers. The technical reviewers will score each application as part of the panel committee and will also provide summary comments based on the evaluation criteria identified in Part E Section 1, Application Evaluation Criteria.

• Technical reviewers will review each eligible application against the evaluation criteria. The reviewers will ensure that the organization is capable of delivering the programs/activities as described in the announcement based on the Applicant’s project narrative. The reviewers will assign a score and provide summary comments based on the evaluation criteria identified above.

b. Selection Process The panel committee shall submit the ranked applications and recommendations to the Deputy Administrator, who will then make the final selection.

After the technical review and before making final funding decisions, FAS may contact high-ranking Applicants to seek clarification and to negotiate technical and programmatic aspects of the application. If an application includes a sub-awardee, FAS may request to speak with all parties included in the application to ensure sufficient planning and coordination has taken place prior to making an award. Also, all awards made which are greater than the simplified acquisition threshold, currently $250,000 (see 2 CFR section 200.88), or more will be subject to the following:

i. Prior to making a Federal award with a total amount of Federal share greater than the simplified acquisition threshold as defined by 48 CFR Part 2.101, 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).

ii. An 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.

iii. 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 2 CFR Part 200.205 Federal awarding agency review of risk posed by Applicants.

Following the review of Applicant integrity and performance information, outlined in Part E Section 2 c, FAS will notify all Applicants electronically of funding decisions. An Applicant may send a written request to MGDAmendments@usda.gov to receive a written summary of the strengths and weaknesses of its proposal related to the evaluation criteria. Additional information will not be provided. FAS will send the written summary to the Applicant within 60 days of the request.

c. Confidentiality and Conflict of Interest Technical and cost proposals submitted under this funding opportunity will be protected from unauthorized disclosure in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. FAS may use one or more support contractors in the logistical processing of proposals. However, funding recommendations and final award decisions are solely the responsibility of FAS personnel. To the extent permitted by law, during the review process, FAS will respect any information which the Applicant has marked as proprietary or business sensitive. Refer to Part H Section 5 for additional information on marking proprietary information.

https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=1a8175b274aaec51636fd859be54a0af&mc=true&node=se48.1.2_1101&rgn=div8 https://www.fapiis.gov/fapiis/index.action https://sam.gov/SAM/ https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=83dc1c9deb0bab588ce6045b9d7ee960&mc=true&node=se2.1.200_1205&rgn=div8

FAS screens all technical reviewers for potential conflicts of interest. To determine possible conflicts of interest, FAS requires potential reviewers to complete and sign conflict of interest and nondisclosure forms. To the extent permitted by law, FAS will keep the names of submitting institutions and individuals, as well as the substance of the applications, confidential except to reviewers and FAS staff involved in the award process. FAS will destroy any unsuccessful applications after three years following the funding decision.

F. Federal Award Administration Information

1. Notice of Award

A notice of award will be sent to the organization via email. This email is not an authorization to begin performance. Once the organization accepts the selection notice, FAS will begin negotiations with the Applicant to develop an amendment. Until an award is signed, FAS reserves the right not to fund an amendment.

The notice of award will also indicate if there are any pass-through obligations that successful Applicants are required to meet upon receiving award funds, including specific timeline requirements.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

Domestic Entities Successful Applicants, registered in SAM.gov as domestic entities, are required to comply with both Administrative General Terms and Conditions and National Policy General Terms and Conditions for all grant and cooperative agreements, which are available online at:

https://www.fas.usda.gov/grants/general_terms_and_conditions/default.asp

The applicable Administrative General Terms and Conditions and National Policy General Terms and Conditions will be for the most recent year specified at that URL, unless the application is to continue an award initially awarded in an earlier year. In that event, the terms and conditions that apply will be those in effect for the year in which the award was originally made unless explicitly stated otherwise in subsequent mutually upon agreed amendments to the award.

In addition, domestic entities must adhere to the following additional terms and conditions:

a. Prohibition on Providing Funds to the Enemy https://www.fas.usda.gov/grants/general_terms_and_conditions/default.asp

1. The recipient must —

Exercise due diligence to ensure that none of the funds, including supplies and services, received under this grant or cooperative agreement are provided directly or indirectly (including through subawards or contracts) to a person or entity who is actively opposing the United States or coalition forces involved in a contingency operation in which members of the Armed Forces are actively engaged in hostilities, which must be completed through 2 CFR

180.300 prior to issuing a subaward or contract and;

Terminate or void in whole or in part any subaward or contract with a person or entity listed in SAM as a prohibited or restricted source pursuant to subtitle E of Title VIII of the NDAA for FY 2015, unless the Federal awarding agency provides written approval to continue the subaward or contract.

2. The recipient may include the substance of this clause, including paragraph (1) of this clause, in subawards under this grant or cooperative agreement that have an estimated value over $50,000 and will be performed outside the United States, including its outlying areas.

3. The Federal awarding agency has the authority to terminate or void this grant or cooperative agreement, in whole or in part, if the Federal awarding agency becomes aware that the recipient failed to exercise due diligence as required by paragraph (1) of this clause or if the Federal awarding agency becomes aware that any funds received under this grant or cooperative agreement have been provided directly or indirectly to a person or entity who is actively opposing coalition forces involved in a contingency operation in which members of the Armed Forces are actively engaged in hostilities.

b. Additional Access to Recipient Records

1. In addition to any other existing examination-of-records authority, the Federal Government is authorized to examine any records of the recipient and its subawards or contracts to the extent necessary to ensure that funds, including supplies and services, available under this grant or cooperative agreement are not provided, directly or indirectly, to a person or entity that is actively opposing United States or coalition forces involved in a contingency operation in which members of the Armed Forces are actively engaged in hostilities, except for awards awarded by the Department of Defense on or before December 19, 2017, that will be performed in the United States Central Command (USCENTCOM) theater of operations.

2. The substance of this clause, including this paragraph (2), is required to be included in subawards or contracts under this grant or cooperative agreement that have an estimated value over $50,000 and will be performed outside the United States, including its outlying areas.

Foreign Entities Successful Applicants, registered in SAM.gov as foreign entities, are required to comply with the following terms and conditions:

• Foreign public international organizations (as defined in 2 CFR section 200.46(b)), such as UN organizations, will be subject to the Terms and Conditions for Public International Organizations (PIO’s)

• Foreign organizations (as defined in 2 CFR section 200.47) will be subject to the Terms and Conditions for Foreign Organizations

• Foreign governments will comply with the Terms and Conditions for Foreign Governments

Before accepting the award, the successful Applicant (foreign and domestic entities) should carefully read the award package for instructions on administering the grant award and the terms and conditions associated with responsibilities under Federal Awards. Successful Applicants must accept all conditions in this NOFO as well as any special terms and conditions in the notice of award to receive an award under this program.

3. Reporting All reporting shall be conducted as described in the recipient’s cooperative agreement for the McGovern-Dole award. Financial expenditures for this portion of the program must be stated separately on those reports.

https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=cc1f1975b580beec7a43dad42d4434fd&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5&se2.1.200_146 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=cc1f1975b580beec7a43dad42d4434fd&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5&se2.1.200_146 https://www.fas.usda.gov/standard-terms-and-conditions-public-international-organizations https://www.fas.usda.gov/standard-terms-and-conditions-public-international-organizations https://www.fas.usda.gov/standard-terms-and-conditions-public-international-organizations https://www.fas.usda.gov/standard-terms-and-conditions-public-international-organizations https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=cc1f1975b580beec7a43dad42d4434fd&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5&se2.1.200_147 https://www.fas.usda.gov/standard-terms-and-conditions-foreign-organizations https://www.fas.usda.gov/standard-terms-and-conditions-foreign-governments https://www.fas.usda.gov/standard-terms-and-conditions-foreign-governments https://www.fas.usda.gov/standard-terms-and-conditions-foreign-governments

4. Monitoring FAS through its authorized representatives, has the right, at all reasonable times, to make site visits to review project accomplishments and management control systems and to provide such technical assistance as may be required. During site visits, FAS will review recipients’ files related to the Federally funded program.

As part of any monitoring and program evaluation activities, recipients must permit FAS, upon reasonable notice, to review award-related records and to interview the organization’s staff and clients regarding the program. Recipients must respond in a timely and accurate manner to FAS requests for information relating to their Federal award.

5. Closeout Reporting Requirements

Within 90 days after the end of the period of performance, or after an amendment has been issued to closeout a cooperative agreement, whichever comes first, recipients must submit a final financial report and final progress report detailing all accomplishments and a qualitative summary of the impact of those accomplishments throughout the period of performance. Recipients must also submit a tax certification letter on company letterhead indicating that all required payroll taxes for the employees working in–country have been paid. Lastly, an equipment disposition form must also be submitted. A sample tax certification letter as well as an Equipment Disposition form are available on the FAIS homepage under “Forms and Guidance.” These documents must be uploaded onto the Agreement–Level Report page for the specific agreement being closed out under the “List of Closeout Attachments” section.

If applicable, an inventory of all construction projects that used funds from this program has to be reported using the Real Property Status Report (Standard Form SF–429) available at: https://www.gsa.gov/portal/forms/download/149866

After these reports have been reviewed and approved a closeout notice will be completed to close out the award. The notice will indicate the period of performance as closed, list any remaining funds that will be de–obligated, and address the requirement of maintaining the records for three years from the date of the final financial report.

The recipient is responsible for returning any funds that have been drawn down but remain as unliquidated on recipient financial records.

https://www.gsa.gov/portal/forms/download/149866

G. Awarding Agency Contact Information

Contact and Resource Information

Lindsay Carter Director, McGovern-Dole Branch International Food Assistance Division Global Programs, Foreign Agricultural Service U.S. Department of Agriculture

1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Rm 6970 Washington, DC 20250 Phone: (202) 720-1008 Fax: (202) 690-0251 Email at: MGDAmendments@usda.gov

Questions regarding this request for applications will be considered to the extent practicable and should be submitted to MGDAmendments@usda.gov. Questions must be received no later than 5:00:00 P.M. EDT on July 2, 2021. Please include “FY 2021 McGovern-Dole Limited Merit NOFO” in the subject line. Responses to questions will be posted on Grants.gov on a weekly basis.

H. Additional Information

1. Extensions Extensions to this program are allowed. Applicants may request a no-cost extension in order to complete all project activities. The request must be submitted 60 days prior to the expiration of the performance period. Requests for extensions are subject to approval by FAS. As also stated in Part B Section 2 Award Amounts, Important Dates, and Extensions, cost extension supplement amendments may be awarded. An applicant must be eligible and must have an invitation from FAS to apply for a supplement amendment.

2. Prior Approval The Recipient shall not, without the prior written approval of FAS, request reimbursement, incur costs or obligate funds for any purpose pertaining to the operation of the project, program, or activities prior to the approved Budget Period/Performance Period.

3. Budget Revisions

Transfers of funds between direct cost categories in the approved budget when such cumulative transfers among those direct cost categories exceed ten percent of the total budget approved in this Award require prior written approval by FAS.

The Recipient shall obtain prior written approval from FAS for any budget revision that would result in the need for additional resources/funds.

The Recipient is not authorized at any time to transfer amounts budgeted for direct costs to the indirect costs line item or vice versa, without prior written approval of FAS.

4. Post-award program income

In the event program income becomes available to the recipient post-award, it is the recipient’s responsibility to notify the FAS program analyst to explain how that development occurred, as part of their request for guidance and/or approval. The Program Manager will review approval requests for program income on a case-by-case basis;

approval is not automatic. Consistent with the policy and processes outlined in 2 C.F.R.

Part 200, pertinent guidance and options, as determined by the type of recipient and circumstances involved, may be approved by the Grant Officer. If approval is granted, an award modification will be issued with an explanatory note in the remarks section of the face page concerning guidance and/or options pertaining to the recipient’s approved recipient’s approved request. All instances of program income shall be listed in the progress and financial reports.

Appendix A – Instructions for Completing the SF-424A

Applicants to the FY 2021 Standing Supplemental McGovern-Dole NOFO who are applying for funding to supplement an agreement signed in FY 20 are required to fill out and submit a copy of the SF-424A, available on Grants.gov at: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html. This form should be submitted to MGDAmendments@usda.gov as part of the application. This form will be required in addition to the budget summary. Organizations applying for funds to supplement an agreement signed in FY 19 or earlier are not required to submit this form.

To mirror the application’s budget summary and narrative, the SF-424A should include all costs: the existing approved budget plus requested supplemental funds. The SF-424A form should be filled out using the same information provided in your updated budget summary and updated budget narrative (see Section D 3 Required Content and Forms). Please note that Sections A-C will ONLY include the amounts from the project operating budget (administrative costs cash portion). The total Federal award amount, including Commodity Cost and Freight Cost, will be captured under SECTION F - OTHER BUDGET INFORMATION: 23. Remarks.

SECTION A - BUDGET SUMMARY:

o Grant Program Function or Activity (a): Insert each of the applicable expense types in the four boxes for this section: 1) Administration, 2) Activities, 3) Commodity and Food Purchases, 4) and ITSH.

o Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number (b): For the MGD program, the CFDA is: 10.608. Enter this number in this column for each expense type.

o Estimated Unobligated Funds (c) & (d): These sections will be left blank for new applications.

o New or Revised Budget (e) and (f): Insert the totals for each of the applicable expenses in these sections. Federal totals should be entered under column (e) and non-Federal (cost share/match) amounts should be entered under column (f).

o Totals (column (g) and row 5): Calculate the totals of columns (e) and (f) for each expense type. Please note this total will auto calculate when using the Grants.gov form.

SECTION B - BUDGET CATEGORIES:

o Object Class Categories: Enter the same expense types (i.e., Administration, Activities, Commodity and Food Purchases, and ITSH) in the column headings for Section 6. Please note these headers will auto fill when using the Grants.gov form. For each expense type, enter the total expenses for each class category (e.g., Personnel, Fringe Benefits, Travel, etc.)

and sum the amounts in column 5 and row K.

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html

FAS is providing the following guidance to assist applicants in transferring their budget requests from the current budget documents to the SF–424A:

o Administration Expenses

a) Personnel: Enter the total for all Administration Salaries expenses

b) Fringe Benefits: Enter the total for all Administration Benefits expenses

c) Travel: Enter the total for all Administration Travel expenses

d) Equipment: Enter the total for all Administration Equipment expenses

e) Supplies: Enter the total for all Administration Supplies expenses

f) Contractual: Enter the total for all Administration Professional Services expenses

g) Construction: Leave blank

h) Other: Enter the total for all Administration Office and Other expenses

i) Indirect Charges: Enter the total for all Administration Indirect expenses o Activities Expenses

a) Personnel: Enter the total for all Activities Salaries expenses

b) Fringe Benefits: Enter the total for all Activities Benefits expenses

c) Travel: Enter the total for all Activities Travel expenses

d) Equipment: Enter the total for all Activities Equipment expenses

e) Supplies: Enter the total for all Activities Supplies expenses

f) Contractual: Enter the total for all Activities Professional Services expenses

g) Construction: Leave blank

h) Other: Enter the total for all Activities Office and Other expenses

i) Indirect Charges: Enter the total for all Activities Indirect expenses o Commodity and Food Purchase Expenses

a) Personnel: Leave blank

b) Fringe Benefits: Leave blank

c) Travel: Leave blank

d) Equipment: Leave blank

e) Supplies: Leave blank

f) Contractual: Leave blank

g) Construction: Leave blank

h) Other: Enter the total for all Commodity Procurement expenses

i) Indirect Charges: Enter the total for all Commodity and Food Purchase Indirect expenses o Internal Transportation, Storage, and Handling (ITSH) Expenses

a) Personnel: Enter the total for all ITSH Salaries expenses

b) Fringe Benefits: Enter the total for all ITSH Benefits expenses

c) Travel: Enter the total for all ITSH Travel expenses

d) Equipment: Enter the total for all ITSH Equipment expenses

e) Supplies: Enter the total for all ITSH Supplies expenses

f) Contractual: Enter the total for all ITSH Professional Services expenses

g) Construction: Leave blank

h) Other: Enter the totals for all ITSH Transportation, Warehouse, and Other expenses

i) Indirect Charges: Enter the total for all ITSH Indirect expenses o Program Income: Applicants should list all applicable program income here. This amount includes, but is not limited to, income from: fees for services performed, the use or rental of real or personal property acquired under a Federal award, the sale of items fabricated under a Federal award, license fees and royalties on patents and copyrights, and principal and interest on loans made with Federal award funds.

FAS is providing the following guidance to assist applicants in categorizing costs:

a. Personnel: Costs of employee salaries and wages. For each staff person, provide the name (if known), title, time commitment to the project as a percentage of a full-time equivalent (FTE), annual salary, and grant funded salary. Do not include the costs of consultants, subgrants or contractors. Consultants, subgrants and contractors are to be included under “Contractual.”

b. Fringe Benefits: Costs of employee fringe benefits unless treated as part of an…