Call For Project Concept Notes: Ambassadors Fund For Cultural Preservation

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Ambassadors Fund For Cultural Preservation
Call For Project Concept Notes

Funding Opportunity Title: FY2023 Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation
Funding Opportunity Number: AF-MAP-FY23-01
Deadline for Applications: December 21, 2022
Assistance Listing Number: 19.025 – U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation

Total Amount Available: $500,000.00

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

U.S. Mission Mozambique announces an open competition for organizations to submit project ideas in the form of Concept Notes for Round 1 of the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) 2023 Grants Program. Concept Notes must be submitted via email to MaputoPDProposals@state.gov until December 21, 2022.

Priority Region: Mozambique

Program Objectives:

AFCP supports the preservation of cultural sites, cultural objects, and forms of traditional cultural expression in more than 100 developing countries around the world, including
Mozambique. AFCP-supported projects include the restoration of ancient and historic buildings, assessment and conservation of rare manuscripts and museum collections, preservation and protection of important archaeological sites, and the documentation of vanishing traditional craft techniques and indigenous languages. Cultural heritage endures as a reminder of the contributions and historical experiences of humanity. By taking a leading role in efforts to preserve cultural heritage, the U.S. shows its respect for other cultures.

AFCP gives top priority to project activities in keeping with international standards for the preservation of cultural heritage. An appropriate preservation activity is one that protects the values of the site, object or collection, or form of traditional cultural expression as they are understood by stakeholders. Stakeholders may include national, regional, or local cultural authorities, the local community, and others with vested interests in the site and the outcome of a project. Awards can range from $10,000 to $500,000.

Funding Areas:

The AFCP Grants Program supports the preservation of archaeological sites, historic buildings and monuments, museum collections, and forms of traditional cultural expression, such as indigenous languages and crafts. Appropriate project activities may include:

Anastylosis (reassembling a site from its original parts)
Conservation (addressing damage or deterioration to an object or site)
Consolidation (connecting or reconnecting elements of an object or site)
Documentation (recording in analog or digital format the condition and salient features of an object, site, or tradition)
Inventory (listing of objects, sites, or traditions by location, feature, age, or other unifying characteristic or state)
Preventive Conservation (addressing conditions that threaten or damage a site, object, collection, or tradition)
Restoration (replacing missing elements to recreate the original appearance of an object or site, usually appropriate only with fine arts, decorative arts, and historic buildings) h) Stabilization (reducing the physical disturbance of an object or site).

CULTURAL SITES: This might include (but is not limited to) historical buildings and sites, sacred places, monuments, and archaeological sites. Proposals in this category may involve, for example, restoration of a historic building, an archaeological survey as a component of a preservation plan, preservation management planning for a site, or documentation of sites in a region for preservation purposes.

CULTURAL OBJECTS AND COLLECTIONS: From a museum, cultural site, or similar institution. This includes archaeological and ethnographic objects, paintings, sculpture, manuscripts, photographic and film collections, and general museum conservation activities. Proposals in this category may involve, for example, conservation treatment for an object or collection of objects; needs assessment of a collection with respect to its condition and strategies for improving its state of conservation; inventory of a collection for conservation purposes; the creation of safe environments for storage or display of collections; or specialized training in the care and preservation of collections.

FORMS OF TRADITIONAL CULTURAL EXPRESSION: This includes traditional

music, rituals, knowledge, languages, dance, drama, and crafts. Proposal in this category may involve documenting and audiovisual recording of traditional music and dance forms as part of a tradition expression and making the information and recordings available, or support for training in preservation or traditional arts or crafts that are threatened by extinction.

Special note regarding sites and objects that have a religious connection:

The Establishment Clause of the U.S. Constitution permits the government to include religious objects and sites within an aid program under certain conditions. For example, an item with a religious connection (including a place of worship) may be the subject of a cultural preservation grant if the item derives its primary significance and is nominated solely on the basis of architectural, artistic, historical, or other cultural (not religious) criteria.

Funding Priorities:

U.S. Embassy in Mozambique encourages projects that that promote American values, such as tolerance and respect for cultural diversity.

FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Length of performance period: 12 to 60 months

Number of awards anticipated: 03 awards (dependent on amounts)

Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $10,000.00 to a maximum of $500,000.00

Total available funding: $500,000.00

Type of Funding: Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, as amended, Pub. L. No. 87-256, § 102(b)(5)

Assistance Listing Number Number: 19.025

Anticipated Program start date: 01 October 2023

Funding Instrument Types: Grant, Cooperative Agreement (as appropriate)

Project Performance Period: Proposed projects should be completed in 60 months or less.

This notice is subject to availability of funding.

ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION

Eligible Applicants

U.S. Embassy Mozambique defines eligible project implementers as reputable and accountable non-commercial entities that can demonstrate they have the requisite capacity to manage projects to preserve cultural heritage. Eligible implementers may include:

Non-governmental organizations,
Not-for Profit Museums,
Not-For Profit Educational institutions,
Ministries of culture, or similar institutions and organizations
S.-based educational institutions, and
S Non-Profit organizations subject to Section 501(c)(3) of the tax code.

The AFCP will not award grants to individuals, commercial entities, or past award recipients that have not fulfilled the objectives or reporting requirements of previous awards.

Potential implementers must be registered and active in the U.S. government’s System for Award Management (SAM) to receive U.S. federal assistance.

Cost Sharing or Matching

There is no minimum or maximum percentage of cost participation required. When an applicant offers cost sharing, it is understood and agreed that the applicant must provide the amount of cost sharing as stipulated in the budget of the application and later included in an approved agreement. The applicant will be responsible for tracking and reporting on any cost share or outside funding, which is subject to audit per 2 CFR 200. Cost sharing may be in the form of allowable direct or indirect costs.

Ineligible Activities and Unallowable Costs

AFCP does not support the following activities or costs, and the Center will deem applications requesting AFCP support for any of these activities or costs ineligible:

a) Preservation or purchase of privately or commercially owned cultural objects, collections, or real property, including those whose transfer from private or commercial to public ownership is envisioned, planned, or in process but not complete at the time of application.
b) Preservation of natural heritage (physical, biological, and geological formations, paleontological collections, habitats of threatened species of animals and plants, fossils, etc.) unless the natural heritage has a cultural heritage connection or dimension. c) Preservation of hominid or human remains.
d) Preservation of news media (newspapers, newsreels, radio and TV programs, etc.).
e) Preservation of published materials available elsewhere (books, periodicals, etc.).
f) Development of curricula or educational materials for classroom use.
g) Archaeological excavations or exploratory surveys for research purposes.
h) Historical research, except in cases where the research is justifiable and integral to the success of the proposed project.
i) Acquisition or creation of new exhibits, objects, or collections for new or existing museums.
j) Construction of new buildings, building additions, or permanent coverings (over archaeological sites, for example).
k) Commissions of new works of art or architecture for commemorative or economic development purposes.
l) Creation of new or the modern adaptation of existing traditional dances, songs, chants, musical compositions, plays, or other performances.
m) Creation of replicas or conjectural reconstructions of cultural objects or sites that no longer exist.
n) Relocation of cultural sites from one physical location to another.
o) Removal of cultural objects or elements of cultural sites from the country for any reason.
p) Digitization of cultural objects or collections, unless part of a larger, clearly defined conservation, documentation, or public diplomacy effort.
q) Conservation plans or other studies, unless they are one component of a larger project to implement the results of those studies.
r) Cash reserves, endowments, or revolving funds (funds must be expended within the award period [up to five years] and may not be used to create an endowment or revolving fund). s) Costs of fund-raising campaigns.
t) Contingency, unforeseen, or miscellaneous costs or fees.
u) Costs of work performed prior to announcement of the award unless allowable per 2 CFR 200.458 and approved by the Grants Officer.
v) International travel, except in cases where travel is justifiable and integral to the success of the proposed project or to provide project leaders with learning and exchange opportunities with cultural heritage experts.
w) Individual projects costing less than US $10,000 or more than $500,000.
x) Independent U.S. projects overseas.

Other Eligibility Requirements

In order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number issued via www.SAM.gov as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov. Please see Section D.3 for more information.

SAM Registration: An implementing partner must be registered in the U.S. government’s System for Award Management (SAM) prior to receiving U.S federal assistance unless they meet one of the exemptions. The SAM registration process, which requires either a Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) or a NATO Commercial and Government Entity (NCAGE) code, can take weeks or months, especially for non-U.S. applicants. Non-U.S. based applicants may request a NCAGE code at https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/scage/CageList.aspx. SAM will assign a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) automatically to any entity registering or renewing its record in the system. http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform Registration in SAM is free: https://sam.gov/.

APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

Address to Request Application Package: Application forms required below are available at embassy website.

Application forms required below are available at mz.usembassy.gov and www.grants.gov.

Content and Form of Application Submission: 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.
All documents are formatted to 8 ½ x 11 paper, and
All Microsoft Word documents are single-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font, with a minimum of 1-inch margins.

The following documents are required and can be found at www.grants.gov:

MANDATORY APPLICATION FORMS

Round 1 Concept Note – Open to all interested candidates.

Concept notes should not exceed three 3 pages in Microsoft Word, and must be submitted by Wednesday, December 21, 2022, by e-mail to MaputoPDProposals@state.gov.

Complete concept note must include:

a) Project Basics, including working title, anticipated project length (maximum of 60 months); location/site (if part of an inscribed World Heritage Site, the name of the World Heritage Site); and project cost estimate (amount requested from AFCP; in U.S. dollars). Please refer to attached budget template (xlsx 27 KB).

b) Project Implementer: organization name, organization type, name, title and contact of project coordinator.

c) Project Scope of Work: Briefly explain the project objectives and desired results – summarizing the preservation goals and any broader host country or community goals.

d) Proposed Activities: that explain all activities and how the activities will contribute towards achieving desired results.

e) Statement of Importance highlighting the historic, architectural, artistic, or cultural (nonreligious) values of the cultural site, object, collection, or form of traditional expression.

f) Statement of Urgency indicating the severity of the situation and explaining why the project must take place now.

g) Statement of Sustainability outlining the steps or measures that will be taken to maintain the site, object, or collection in good condition after the AFCP-supported project is complete; or, in the case of forms of traditional cultural expression, to preserve and disseminate the documentation, knowledge, or skills either resulting or gained from the project.

h) Five (5) high quality digital images (JPEGs) or audiovisual files that convey the nature and condition of the site, collection, or tradition and show the urgency or need for the proposed project (collapsing walls, water damage, etc.).

Round 2 Full Application Requirements – Open to selected candidates. Eligible candidates will be contacted by U.S. Embassy in Mozambique to submit a full proposal.

a) Summary Page: Cover sheet stating the applicant name and organization, proposal date, program title, program period proposed start and end date, and brief purpose of the program.
b) Statement of Importance highlighting the historical, architectural, artistic, or cultural (non-religious) values of the cultural heritage.
c) Revised/detailed scope of work with (1) clear preservation goals and activities for achieving those goals, and (2) the host country or community’s intended broader goals and activities for achieving those goals (Note: When describing and ordering the activities for (1) and (2) above, highlight any major milestones and target dates for achieving them. Each set of activities should clearly lead to their corresponding goals with no gaps. The overall presentation should make a compelling case that the implementer has a clear and comprehensive sense of how to achieve the preservation and other goals).
d) Proof of Official Permission to undertake the project from the office, agency, or organization that either owns or is otherwise responsible for the preservation and protection of the site or collection.
e) Implementer Public Awareness Plan describing how the applicant intends to highlight and amplify AFCP-supported activities through print, electronic, social media, and other means.
f) Maintenance Plan outlining the steps or measures that will be taken to maintain the site, object, or collection in good condition after the AFCP-supported project is complete; or, in the case of forms of traditional cultural expression, to preserve and disseminate the documentation, knowledge, or skills gained from the project.
g) Résumés or CVs of the proposed project director and key project participants.
h) Detailed Project Budget, demarcated in one-year budget periods (2023, 2024, 2025, etc.), that lists all costs in separate categories (Personnel, Fringe Benefits, Travel [including Per Diem], Equipment, Supplies, Contractual, Other Direct Costs, Indirect Costs); indicates funds from other sources; and gives a justification for any anticipated international travel costs (Note: You may use the optional AFCP budget template available via mz.usembassy.gov.
i) Budget Narrative explaining how the costs were estimated (quantity x unit cost, annual salary x percentage of time spent on project, etc.) and any large budget line items.
j) Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424), including Budget Information for NonConstruction Programs (SF-424A), Assurances for Non-Construction Programs (SF424B), and, if applicable, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL).
k) Relevant Supporting Documentation, such as historic structure reports, restoration plans and studies, conservation needs assessments and recommendations, architectural and engineering records, etc., compiled in preparation for the proposed project.
l) As requested by the Center or as appropriate, additional high-quality digital images (JPEGs) or audiovisual files that convey the nature and condition of the heritage and show the urgency or need for the proposed project (collapsing walls, extensive water damage, etc.).

APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

CRITERIA

Round 1: The Public Affairs Office at the U.S. Embassy in Mozambique will review and evaluate concept notes and select which projects will be submitted to the Cultural Heritage Center for funding consideration. Evaluation will take into consideration the theme of the project, formulation of clear program goals and objectives, funding areas and priorities, project sustainability, and the ability of the applying organization to carry out the project aims and other application requirements. The Center may deem concept notes and full applications ineligible if they do not fully adhere to AFCP 2023 Grants Program objectives, requirements, and other criteria stated herein.

Round 2: The Center will review and rate the full project applications to confirm the technical feasibility of the projects, ensure outlined activities and budget lines support stated goals, and identify any remaining shortcomings, questions, or concerns.

FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

Federal Award Notices

The grant award will be written, signed, awarded, and administered by the Grants Officer. The assistance award agreement is the authorizing document and it will be provided to the recipient for review and signature by email. The recipient may only start incurring program expenses beginning on the start date shown on the grant award document signed by the Grants Officer.

If a proposal is selected for funding, the Department of State has no obligation to provide any additional future funding. Renewal of an award to increase funding or extend the period of performance is at the discretion of the Department of State.

Issuance of this NOFO does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the U.S. government, nor does it commit the U.S. government to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of proposals. Further, the U.S. government reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received.

Payment Method: Payments are made via EFT upon submission and approval of narrative and financial reports.

Administrative and National Policy Requirements

Before submitting an application, applicants should review all the terms and conditions and required certifications which will apply to this award, to ensure that they will be able to comply.

These include:

In accordance with the Office of Management and Budget’s guidance located at 2 CFR part 200, all applicable Federal laws, and relevant Executive guidance, the Department of State will review and consider applications for funding, as applicable to specific programs, pursuant to this notice of funding opportunity in accordance with the following:

Guidance for Grants and Agreements in Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations (2 CFR), as updated in the Federal Register’s 85 FR 49506 on August 13, 2020, particularly on:
- Selecting recipients most likely to be successful in delivering results based on the program objectives through an objective process of evaluating Federal award applications (2 CFR part 200.205),
- Prohibiting the purchase of certain telecommunication and video surveillance services or equipment in alignment with section 889 of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2019 (Pub. L. No. 115—232) (2 CFR part 200.216), o Promoting the freedom of speech and religious liberty in alignment with Promoting Free Speech and Religious Liberty (E.O. 13798) and Improving Free Inquiry, Transparency, and Accountability at Colleges and Universities (E.O.13864) (§§ 200.300, 200.303, 200.339, and 200.341),
- Providing a preference, to the extent permitted by law, to maximize use of goods, products, and materials produced in the United States (2 CFR part 200.322), and
- Terminating agreements in whole or in part to the greatest extent authorized by law, if an award no longer effectuates the program goals or agency priorities (2 CFR part 200.340).

In accordance with the Executive Order on Advancing Racial Equity and Underserved Communities , proposals should demonstrate how the program advances equity with respect to race, ethnicity, religion, income, geography, gender identity, sexual orientation, and disability. The proposal should also demonstrate how the program will further engagement in underserved communities and with individuals from underserved communities. Proposals should demonstrate how addressing racial equity and underserved communities will enhance the program’s goals and objectives, as well as the experience of participants.

The support of underserved communities will be part of the review criteria for this opportunity. Therefore, proposals should clearly demonstrate how the program will support and advance equity and engage underserved communities in program administration, design, and implementation.

Reporting

Reporting Requirements: Recipients will be required to submit financial reports and program reports. The award document will specify how often these reports must be submitted. The applicant must provide an interim report about the use of funds before additional funds will be released. If no interim report is provided, no additional funds will be released.

Upon completion of the project, all grantee organizations must complete a formal report, which consists of a narrative and a financial report and submit it to the U.S. Embassy. Form for narrative report and guidelines for financial report can be obtained from the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy. The award document will specify how often these reports must be submitted.

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

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

FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS

If you have any questions about the grant application process, please contact: MaputoPDProposals@state.gov.

A Q&A Session for AFCP prospective grantees will be conducted by the Public Affairs Section at U.S. Embassy Mozambique on Wednesday, December 07, 2022 at 14:00 Maputo time. Please join us through this zoom link:

https://statedept.zoomgov.com/j/1604760366?pwd=NGR1c0JCZXJkbERmVzR1UmZMOUx3dz09 . Send us your questions by December 01, 2022 17:30 Maputo time to maputopdproposals@state.gov with subject line AFCP23 QUESTION.

By U.S. Embassy Maputo | 22 November, 2022 | Topics: Ambassador, Ambassador's Fund, Embassy, News