Notice of Funding Opportunity – Alumni Rapid Response to COVID-19

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
U.S. EMBASSY MOZAMBIQUE
Notice of Funding Opportunity

Funding Opportunity Title:             Alumni Rapid Response to COVID-19

Funding Opportunity Number:      AF-MAP-FY20-06

Deadline for Applications: June 5, 2020, 17:30

CFDA Number:                                19.040

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The U.S. Embassy Mozambique of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for U.S.G alumni to submit applications through an organization to carry out a program to combat disinformation, by promoting press freedom that improves the quality of investigative journalism and transparency as related to COVID-19.  Please carefully follow all instructions below.
The following types of programs are not eligible for funding:
  • Programs relating to partisan political activity;
  • Development projects/programs;
  • Infrastructure/construction programs;
  • Individual scholarships;
  • Personal development;
  • Programs that support specific religious activities;
  • Fund-raising campaigns;
  • Lobbying for specific legislation or programs;
  • Scientific research;
  • Programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization;
  • Programs that duplicate existing programs;
  • Social travel/visits;
  • Venture capital; and
  • For-profit endeavors.
B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION
Length of performance period: 12 months or less
Number of awards anticipated: 5 awards (dependent on amounts)
Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $5,000.00 to a maximum of $10,000.00
Type of Funding:  FY20 Public Diplomacy Funds.
Anticipated program start date must be before September 30, 2020.
This notice is subject to availability of funding.
Funding Instrument Type:   Cooperative agreement.
Cooperative agreements are different from grants in that bureau/embassy staff are more actively involved in the grant implementation.
Embassy Involvement:
  • Have initial meeting with the selected grantee(s) to set dates, deliverables and expectations
  • Approve the participant list provided by the grantee
  • All created content should receive approval from the U.S Embassy
  • Graphic designs should also be approved by the Embassy before being displayed publicly or to the target audience
Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 12 months or less.
C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION
1. Eligible Applicants
This call for proposals is exclusive to alumni of U.S. Mission Mozambique.  An alumni is a person who has participated in an U.S. Department of State funded exchange program, a program funded by the U.S. Embassy Mozambique.  

Alumni can apply through the following organizations:
  • Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations
  • Public and private educational institutions
  • Public International Organizations and Governmental institutions
Special consideration will be given to projects that clearly demonstrate alumni leadership and community engagement.
2. Cost Sharing or Matching
Cost sharing is not a requirement.
3. Other Eligibility Requirements
In order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a unique entity identifier (Data Universal Numbering System/DUNS number from Dun & Bradstreet), as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov. Please see Section D.3 for information on how to obtain these registrations.  Individuals are not required to have a unique entity identifier or be registered in SAM.gov.
 
D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION
1. Address to Request Application Package
Application forms required below are available at www.grants.gov.
2. 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
  • The proposal includes an “American” component;
  • 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:
1. Mandatory application forms
  • SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance – organizations) at www.grants.gov
  • SF424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs) at www.grants.gov
  • SF424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs) at www.grants.gov 
2. 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.
3. Proposal: The proposal should contain sufficient information that anyone not familiar with it would understand exactly what the applicant wants to do. You may use your own proposal format, but it must include all the items below.
  • Proposal Summary: Short narrative that outlines the proposed program, including program objectives and anticipated impact.
  • Introduction to the Organization or Individual applying: A description of past and present operations, showing ability to carry out the program, including information on all previous grants from the U.S. Embassy 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.
  • Primary Target Audience: Concise, specific description of whom the project seeks to influence. Indicate the number of individuals in this audience. Do not mention more than one Primary Target Audience.
  • Behavioral Objective for the Primary Target Audience: Clear, specific description of the desired action/output from members of the primary target audience. What do you want the individual members of the primary target audience to do or achieve?  How will the objective be measured?
  • Program Activities: Describe the program activities and how they will help the primary target audience achieve the behavioral objective.
  • American Content:  U.S. Embassy Mozambique public diplomacy projects must include information about the United States and/or encourage communication or connections between Americans and Mozambicans.  Describe the American content of the proposed project in a sentence.
  • Program Methods and Design: A description of how the program is expected to work to solve the stated problem and achieve the goal.  Include a logic model as appropriate.
  • Proposed Program Schedule and Timeline:  The proposed timeline for the program activities.  Include the dates, times, and locations of planned activities and events.
  • Key Personnel: Names, titles, roles and experience/qualifications of key personnel involved in the program.  What proportion of their time will be used in support of this program? 
  • Program Partners:  List the names and type of involvement of key partner organizations and sub-awardees.
  • Program Monitoring and Evaluation Plan: This is an important part of successful grants. Throughout the time-frame 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?
  • Future Funding or Sustainability: Applicant’s plan for continuing the program beyond the grant period, or the availability of other resources, if applicable.
4. Budget Justification Narrative:  After filling out the SF-424A Budget (above), use a separate sheet of paper to describe each of the budget expenses in detail.  See section H. Other Information: Guidelines for Budget Submissions below for further information.
5.  Attachments:
  • 1-page CV or resume of key personnel who are proposed for the program
  • Letters of support from program partners describing the roles and responsibilities of each partner
  • If your organization has a NICRA and includes NICRA charges in the budget, your latest NICRA should be included as a PDF file. 
  • Official permission letters, if required for program activities
3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov) (NOTE:  This section is required and not optional)
Required Registrations:
Any applicant listed on the Excluded Parties List System (EPLS) in the System for Award Management (SAM) is not eligible to apply for an assistance award in accordance with the OMB guidelines at 2 CFR 180 that implement Executive Orders 12549 (3 CFR, 1986 Comp., p. 189) and 12689 (3 CFR, 1989 Comp., p. 235), “Debarment and Suspension.” Additionally, no entity listed on the EPLS can participate in any activities under an award.  All applicants are strongly encouraged to review the EPLS in SAM to ensure that no ineligible entity is included.
All organizations applying for grants must obtain these registrations.  All are free of charge:
  • Unique entity identifier from Dun & Bradstreet (DUNS number)
  • NCAGE/CAGE code
  • www.SAM.gov registration
Step 1: Apply for a DUNS number and an NCAGE number (these can be completed simultaneously)
DUNS application: Organizations must have a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number from Dun & Bradstreet. If your organization does not have one already, you may obtain one by calling 1-866-705-5711 or visiting http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform.
For NCAGE help from within the U.S., call 1-888-227-2423
For NCAGE help from outside the U.S., call 1-269-961-7766
Email NCAGE@dlis.dla.mil for any problems in getting an NCAGE code.
Step 2: After receiving the NCAGE Code, proceed to register in SAM.gov by logging onto: https://www.sam.gov.  SAM registration must be renewed annually.

4. Submission Dates and Times
Applications are due no later than May 31st, 2020
5. Funding Restrictions
This NOFO does not support the following activities or costs, and the selection committee will deem applications involving any of these activities or costs ineligible:
  • Large items of durable equipment or construction programs; 
  • Alcohol, excessive meals, refreshments, or entertainment;
  • Programs relating to partisan political activity;
  • Infrastructure/construction programs;
  • Individual scholarships;
  • Personal development;
  • Programs that support specific religious activities;
  • Fund-raising campaigns;
  • Lobbying for specific legislation or programs;
  • Scientific research;
  • Programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization;
  • Programs that duplicate existing programs;
  • Social travel/visits;
  • Venture capital; and
  • For-profit endeavors or charging a fee for participation in the project.
6. Other Submission Requirements
All application materials must be submitted by email to maputopdproposals@state.gov.

E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION
1. Criteria
Each application will be evaluated and rated on the basis of the evaluation criteria outlined below.
Quality and Feasibility of the Program Idea – 25 points:  The program idea is well developed, with detail about how program activities will be carried out. The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline. 

Organizational Capacity and Record on Previous Grants – 25 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.

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. Review and Selection Process
A Grants Review Committee will evaluate all eligible applications. 
3. Federal Awardee Performance & Integrity Information System (FAPIIS)
For any Federal award under a notice of funding opportunity, if the Federal awarding agency anticipates that the total Federal share will be greater than the simplified acquisition threshold on any Federal award under a notice of funding opportunity may include, over the period of performance (see §200.88 Simplified Acquisition Threshold), this section must also inform applicants:
i. That the Federal awarding agency, prior to making a Federal award with a total amount of Federal share greater than the simplified acquisition threshold, is required to review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM (currently FAPIIS) (see 41 U.S.C. 2313);
ii. That 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. That the Federal awarding agency will consider any comments by the applicant, in addition to the other information in the designated integrity and performance system, in making a judgment about the applicant’s integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under Federal awards when completing the review of risk posed by applicants as described in §200.205 Federal awarding agency review of risk posed by applicants.

F. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION
1. Federal Award Notices
The grant award or cooperative agreement 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: EFT

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
Terms and Conditions: 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:
2 CFR 200, 2 CFR 600, and the Department of State Standard Terms and Conditions which are available at:  https://www.state.gov/about-us-office-of-the-procurement-executive/.
Note the U.S Flag branding and marking requirements in the Standard Terms and Conditions. 
3. 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.
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.

G.  FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS
If you have any questions about the grant application process, please contact: maputopdproposals.
H.  OTHER INFORMATION

Guidelines for Budget Justification
Personnel and Fringe Benefits: Describe the wages, salaries, and benefits of temporary or permanent staff who will be working directly for the applicant on the program, and the percentage of their time that will be spent on the program.
Travel: Estimate the costs of travel and per diem for this program, for program staff, consultants or speakers, and participants/beneficiaries. If the program involves international travel, include a brief statement of justification for that travel.
Equipment: Describe any machinery, furniture, or other personal property that is required for the program, which has a useful life of more than one year (or a life longer than the duration of the program), and costs at least $5,000 per unit.
Supplies: List and describe all the items and materials, including any computer devices, that are needed for the program. If an item costs more than $5,000 per unit, then put it in the budget under Equipment.
Contractual: Describe goods and services that the applicant plans to acquire through a contract with a vendor.  Also describe any sub-awards to non-profit partners that will help carry out the program activities.
Other Direct Costs: Describe other costs directly associated with the program, which do not fit in the other categories. For example, shipping costs for materials and equipment or applicable taxes. All “Other” or “Miscellaneous” expenses must be itemized and explained.
Indirect Costs:  These are costs that cannot be linked directly to the program activities, such as overhead costs needed to help keep the organization operating.  If your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, attach a copy of your latest NICRA. Organizations that have never had a NICRA may request indirect costs of 10% of the modified total direct costs as defined in 2 CFR 200.68.
“Cost Sharing” refers to contributions from the organization or other entities other than the U.S. Embassy.   It also includes in-kind contributions such as volunteers’ time and donated venues.
Alcoholic Beverages:  Please note that award funds cannot be used for alcoholic beverages.

 

By | 7 May, 2020 | Topics: Embassy, News, Public Affairs

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