United States Division of State
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL)
Discover of Funding Alternative (NOFO):
DRL Investigative Journalism in Europe
That is the announcement of funding alternative quantity SFOP0009648
Catalog of Federal Home Help Quantity: 19.345
Kind of Solicitation: Open Competitors
Software Deadline: 11:59 PM EST on 30/06/2023
Complete Funding Ground: $1,500,000
Complete Funding Ceiling: $1,500,000
Anticipated Variety of Awards: 1
Kind of Award: Grant
Interval of Efficiency: 24 months
Anticipated Time to Award, Pending Availability of Funds: 8 months
A. Mission Description
The U.S. Division of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) publicizes an open competitors for organizations serious about submitting purposes for initiatives that help regional investigative journalism in Europe, Eurasia, and Central Asia.
Corruption and arranged crime are exploited by the Russian authorities to additional its malign affect. They assist personalize achieve and severely threaten democracy and good governance, financial progress, the surroundings, and plenty of different essential improvement outcomes that america authorities champions. Inside this context, the position of unbiased media and investigative journalism turns into much more essential, regardless of many media professionals working in a extremely repressive surroundings and a few governments systematically violating freedom of expression.
DRL’s objective is to strengthen investigative journalism networks in Europe, Eurasia, and Central Asia engaged in cross-border, collaborative reporting and help them to turn into trusted sources of knowledge. The first goal of this undertaking is to extend the reporting and networking capability of investigative journalists and retailers throughout Europe, Eurasia, and Central Asia by serving to them analyze patterns of corruption, affect and funding, conflicts of curiosity, anticompetitive enterprise practices, and the impression of such practices on democracy, the surroundings, and financial progress. Actions might embody offering technical capacity-building help and small grants, enhancing transnational collaboration amongst journalists, and strengthening holistic digital and bodily safety practices. Particular actions needs to be included and designed to assist beneficiaries function successfully in significantly difficult environments within the area the place corruption and malign affect usually originate. Meant outcomes embody: Journalists and media retailers successfully present unbiased, investigative reporting to giant audiences; and elevated high quality and amount of investigative reporting in Europe, Eurasia, and Central Asia immediate actions to advertise accountability for crime and corruption.
Given the quickly evolving state of affairs within the area, proposals should realistically tackle challenges and limitations that the applicant would possible face whereas implementing this program. With this context in thoughts, candidates are requested to submit a safety plan to exhibit situational consciousness and preparedness. Safety plans should tackle security protocols for core actions together with journalistic reporting and embody each bodily and digital safety issues. Assets needs to be allotted within the price range to help these wants, together with emergency funds. Candidates are additionally required to incorporate contingency plans for proposed actions.
Candidates are requested to offer acceptable assets and help for the psychosocial well-being of undertaking employees and companions. Accordingly, proposals should embody a piece within the narrative and price range to replicate these assets and help. Actions can vary from entry to instructional supplies and coaching alternatives to counseling companies, in addition to different types of contextually related help.
Candidates should exhibit a dedication and skill to associate with native investigative media retailers and journalists within the area with explicit emphasis on these producing content material within the Russian language. Proposals that embody sub-granting mechanisms to native investigative media retailers for 30% or extra of the proposed price range shall be given larger choice. Aggressive proposals will guarantee coordination with U.S. Authorities and different donor-funded efforts on this sector. DRL respects the independence of investigative journalism, and the grantee could have full editorial management over investigations.
All applications ought to purpose to have impression that results in reforms and have the potential for sustainability past DRL assets. DRL’s choice is to keep away from duplicating previous efforts by supporting new and artistic approaches. This doesn’t exclude from consideration initiatives that enhance upon or increase present profitable initiatives in a brand new and complementary method.
DRL is dedicated to advancing fairness and help for underserved and underrepresented communities. In accordance with the Government Order on Advancing Racial Fairness and Underserved Communities, applications ought to implement methods for integration and inclusion of people/organizations/beneficiaries that may carry views primarily based on their faith, intercourse, incapacity, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identification, gender expression, intercourse traits, nationwide origin, age, genetic info, marital standing, parental standing, being pregnant, political affiliation, or veteran’s standing. Packages needs to be demand-driven and domestically led to the extent doable.
DRL requires all applications to be non-discriminatory and expects implementers to incorporate methods for nondiscrimination of people/organizations/beneficiaries primarily based on race, shade, faith, intercourse, gender identification, gender expression, intercourse traits, sexual orientation, being pregnant, nationwide origin, incapacity, age, genetic info, marital standing, parental standing, political affiliation, or veteran’s standing.
Aggressive proposals may additionally embody a abstract price range and price range narrative for twenty-four further months following the proposed interval of efficiency, indicated above. This info ought to point out what goal(s) and/or actions might be achieved with further time and/or funds past the proposed interval of efficiency.
The place acceptable, aggressive proposals could embody:
- Alternatives for beneficiaries to use their new data and expertise in sensible efforts;
- Solicitation of suggestions and solutions from beneficiaries when growing actions so as to strengthen the sustainability of applications and participant possession of undertaking outcomes;
- Enter from members on sustainability plans and systematic evaluation of the plans all through the lifetime of the undertaking, with changes made as vital;
- Inclusion of weak populations;
- Joint identification and definition of key ideas with related stakeholders and stakeholder enter into undertaking actions;
- Systematic comply with up with beneficiaries at particular intervals after the completion of actions to trace how beneficiaries are retaining new data in addition to making use of their new expertise.
Actions which can be not usually allowed embody, however should not restricted to:
- The availability of humanitarian help;
- English language instruction;
- Growth of high-tech laptop or communications software program and/or {hardware};
- Purely tutorial exchanges or fellowships;
- Exterior exchanges or fellowships lasting longer than six months;
- Off-shore actions that aren’t clearly linked to in-country initiatives and impression or should not vital per safety considerations;
- Theoretical explorations of human rights or democracy points, together with initiatives aimed primarily at analysis and analysis that don’t incorporate coaching or capacity-building for native civil society;
- Micro-loans or related small enterprise improvement initiatives;
- Initiatives directed in direction of a diaspora neighborhood moderately than present residents of focused nations.
This discover is topic to availability of funding.
B. Federal Award Data
Main organizations can submit 1 software in response to the NOFO.
The U.S. authorities could: (a) reject all or any purposes, (b) settle for apart from the bottom price software, (c) settle for a couple of software, and (d) waive irregularities in purposes obtained.
The U.S. authorities could make award(s) on the idea of preliminary purposes obtained, with out discussions or negotiations. Due to this fact, every preliminary software ought to comprise the applicant’s finest phrases from a price and technical standpoint. The U.S. authorities reserves the appropriate (although it’s below no obligation to take action), nevertheless, to enter into discussions with a number of candidates so as to receive clarifications, further element, or to recommend refinements within the undertaking description, price range, or different elements of an software.
DRL anticipates awarding both a grant or cooperative settlement relying on the wants and danger elements of this system. The ultimate dedication on award mechanism shall be made by the Grants Officer. The excellence between grants and cooperative agreements revolves across the existence of “substantial involvement.” Cooperative agreements require larger Federal authorities participation within the undertaking. If a cooperative settlement is awarded, DRL will undertake affordable and programmatically vital substantial involvement. Examples of considerable involvement can embody, however should not restricted to:
- Energetic participation or collaboration with the recipient within the implementation of the award;
- Assessment and approval of 1 stage of labor earlier than one other can start;
- Assessment and approval of substantive provisions of proposed sub-awards or contracts past present Federal coverage;
- Approval of the recipient’s price range or plan of labor previous to the award.
The authority for this funding alternative is discovered within the International Help Act of 1961, as amended (FAA).
To maximise the impression and sustainability of the award(s) that consequence from this NOFO, DRL retains the appropriate to execute non-competitive continuation modification(s). The overall length of any award, together with potential non-competitive continuation amendments, shall not exceed 54 months, or 4 and a half years. Any non-competitive continuation is contingent on efficiency and pending availability of funds. A non-competitive continuation will not be assured, and the Division of State reserves the appropriate to train or to not train this feature.
C. Eligibility Data
For software info, please see the proposal submission directions (PSI), up to date December 2022 on our web site.
C.1 Eligible Candidates
DRL welcomes purposes from U.S.-based and foreign-based non-profit organizations/nongovernmental organizations (NGO) and public worldwide organizations; personal, public, or state establishments of upper training; and for-profit organizations or companies. DRL’s choice is to work with non-profit entities; nevertheless, there could also be some events when a for-profit entity is finest suited.
Functions submitted by for-profit entities could also be topic to further evaluation following the panel choice course of. Moreover, the Division of State prohibits revenue to for-profit or business organizations below its help awards. Revenue is outlined as any quantity in extra of allowable direct and oblique prices. The allowability of prices incurred by business organizations is decided in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) at 48 CFR 30, Value Accounting Requirements Administration, and 48 CFR 31 Contract Value Ideas and Procedures.
Please see 2 CFR 200.307 for laws relating to program revenue.
C.2 Value Sharing or Matching
Offering price sharing, matching, or price participation will not be an eligibility issue or requirement for this NOFO and offering price share won’t lead to a extra favorable aggressive rating.
C.3 Different
Candidates ought to have present, or the capability to develop, lively partnerships with thematic or in-country companions, entities, and related stakeholders, together with personal sector companions and NGOs, and have demonstrable expertise in administering profitable and ideally related initiatives. DRL encourages purposes from foreign-based NGOs headquartered within the geographic areas/nations related to this NOFO. Candidates could type consortia so as to carry collectively organizations with diverse experience to suggest a complete program in a single proposal. Nonetheless, one group needs to be designated within the proposal because the lead applicant, with the opposite members designated as sub-award companions. DRL reserves the appropriate to request further background info on candidates that shouldn’t have earlier expertise administering federal grant awards, and these candidates could also be topic to restricted funding on a pilot foundation.
DRL is dedicated to an anti-discrimination coverage in all of its applications and actions. DRL welcomes purposes no matter race, ethnicity, shade, creed, nationwide origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identification, incapacity, or different standing. DRL seeks purposes that exhibit that the recipient doesn’t discriminate towards any beneficiaries in implementation of a possible award, corresponding to, however not restricted to, by withholding, adversely impacting, or denying equitable entry to the advantages offered by this award on the idea of any issue not expressly acknowledged within the award. This consists of, for instance, race, shade, faith, intercourse (together with gender identification, gender expression, intercourse traits, sexual orientation, and being pregnant), nationwide origin, incapacity, age, genetic info, marital standing, parental standing, political affiliation, or veteran’s standing. The recipient ought to insert this provision, together with this paragraph, in all sub-grants and contracts below a possible award.
Any applicant listed on the Excluded Events Listing System within the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) (www.sam.gov) and/or has a present debt to the U.S. authorities will not be eligible to use for an help award in accordance with the OMB pointers at 2 CFR 180 that implement Government Orders 12549 (3 CFR,1986 Comp., p. 189) and 12689 (3 CFR,1989 Comp., p. 235), “Debarment and Suspension.” Moreover, no entity or individual listed on the Excluded Events Listing System in SAM.gov can take part in any actions below an award. All candidates are strongly inspired to evaluation the Excluded Events Listing System in SAM.gov to make sure that no ineligible entity or individual is included of their software.
D. Software and Submission Data
D.1 Handle to Request Software Package deal
Candidates can discover software types, kits, or different supplies wanted to use on www.grants.gov and SAMS Home (https://mygrants.servicenowservices.com ) below the announcement title “DRL Investigative Journalism in Europe,” funding alternative quantity “SFOP0009648.” Please contact the DRL level of contact listed in Part G if requesting affordable lodging for individuals with disabilities or for safety causes. Please word that affordable lodging don’t embody deadline extensions.
D.2 Content material and Type of Software Submission
For all software paperwork, please guarantee:
- All paperwork are in English and all prices are in U.S. {Dollars}. If an authentic doc throughout the software is in one other language, an English translation should be offered (please word the Division of State, as indicated in 2 CFR 200.111, requires that English is the official language of all award paperwork). If any doc is offered in each English and a overseas language, the English language model is the controlling model;
- All pages are numbered, together with budgets and attachments;
- All paperwork are formatted to eight ½ x 11 paper; and,
- All paperwork are single-spaced, 12-point Occasions New Roman font, with 1-inch margins. Captions and footnotes could also be 10-point Occasions New Roman font. Font sizes in charts and tables, together with the price range, might be reformatted to suit inside one web page width.
D.2.1 Software Necessities
Full purposes should embody the next:
- Accomplished and signed SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B types. Please see SF-424 directions in Part 2B of the PSI.
- Organizations that have interaction in lobbying the U.S. authorities, together with Congress, or pay for an additional entity to foyer on their behalf, are additionally required to finish the SF-LLL “Disclosure of Lobbying Actions” type (provided that relevant). Please see SF-LLL steering in Part 2B of the PSI.
- Cowl Web page (to not exceed one (1) web page, ideally as a Phrase Doc) that features a desk with the group identify, undertaking title, goal nation/nations, undertaking synopsis, and identify and phone info for the applying’s essential level of contact. Please see Cowl Web page Part 2C of the PSI for a template and extra particulars.
- Government Abstract (to not exceed one (1) web page, ideally as a Phrase Doc) that outlines undertaking objectives, aims, actions, and so forth.
- The Government Abstract ought to embody a short part that explicitly states: (1) the issue assertion addressed by the undertaking, (2) research-based proof justifying the distinctive undertaking strategy, and (3) quantifiable undertaking outcomes and impacts.
- The Government Abstract ought to embody a short part that explicitly states: (1) the issue assertion addressed by the undertaking, (2) research-based proof justifying the distinctive undertaking strategy, and (3) quantifiable undertaking outcomes and impacts.
- Desk of Contents (to not exceed one (1) web page, ideally as a Phrase Doc) itemizing all paperwork and attachments with web page numbers.
- Proposal Narrative (to not exceed ten (10) pages, ideally as a Phrase Doc). Please word the ten-page restrict doesn’t embody the Cowl Web page, Government Abstract, Desk of Contents, Attachments, Detailed Price range, Price range Narrative, Audit, or NICRA. Candidates are inspired to mix a number of paperwork right into a single Phrase Doc or PDF (i.e. Cowl Web page, Desk of Contents, Government Abstract, and Proposal Narrative in a single file). Please see Proposal Narrative Pointers in Part 2F of the PSI for extra particulars.
- The Proposal Narrative ought to exhibit the applicant’s dedication to making sure the participation of all folks as a method for implementation. Please combine inclusion methods in all sections of the Proposal Narrative to boost programmatic impression.
- Price range (ideally as an Excel workbook) that features three (3) columns containing the request to DRL, any price sharing contribution, and the overall price range. A abstract price range also needs to be included utilizing the OMB-approved price range classes (see SF-424A as a pattern) in a separate tab. Prices should be in U.S. {Dollars}. Detailed line-item budgets for sub-grantees needs to be included as further tabs throughout the Excel workbook (if obtainable on the time of submission).
Please see Price range Pointers Part 2G of the PSI for extra info. - The programming strategy needs to be devoted to strengthening inclusive societies as a vital pillar of robust democracies. Please embody prices related to this dedication within the Price range and Price range Narrative.
- Price range Narrative (ideally as a Phrase Doc) that features substantive explanations and justifications for every line merchandise within the detailed price range spreadsheet, in addition to the supply and an outline of all cost-share supplied. Please see Price range Pointers Part 2G of the PSI for extra info.
- The group’s most up-to-date audit, if relevant. This needs to be a single audit, program-specific audit, or different audit in accordance with Usually Accepted Authorities Auditing Requirements (GAGAS). Please see Audit Part 2H of the PSI for extra info.
- Logic Mannequin (ideally as a Phrase Doc). Please see Logic Mannequin Part 2I of the PSI for extra info.
- Monitoring and Analysis Narrative (to not exceed 4 (4) pages, ideally as a Phrase Doc). Please see Monitoring and Analysis Narrative Part 2J of the PSI for extra info.
- As acknowledged throughout the DRL Information to Program Monitoring and Analysis (p. 6): DRL strongly encourages candidates to think about whether or not their monitoring and analysis methods are using human rights-based approaches, making use of a gender and fairness lens, and/or embody the participation of sub-grantees and undertaking members. Throughout the Monitoring and Analysis Narrative, candidates ought to exhibit their dedication to inclusive methods and take into account whether or not analysis design, knowledge assortment, evaluation, reporting and studying are carried out in an moral and accountable method with all undertaking members (e.g. direct beneficiaries, sub-grantees). Candidates ought to nonetheless make enough provisions to guard the privateness of human topics when gathering knowledge from people. As an illustration, when gathering knowledge from undertaking members, take into account whether or not your group could have the required knowledgeable consent types, confidentiality agreements, and knowledge safety protocols. Candidates needs to be conscious that, ought to an software transfer ahead for funding consideration, DRL will request an in depth Monitoring and Analysis Plan for additional evaluation and approval.
- Danger Evaluation (ideally as a Phrase Doc). Please see Danger Evaluation Part 2K of the PSI for extra info on this requirement, together with Do No Hurt ideas and Stopping Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) insurance policies/plans.
- Key Personnel (to not exceed two (2) pages, ideally as a Phrase Doc). Please embody quick bios that spotlight related skilled expertise. Given the restricted area, CVs should not really useful for submission.
- Timeline (to not exceed one (1) web page, ideally as a Phrase Doc or Excel Sheet). The timeline of the general proposal ought to embody actions, analysis efforts, and program closeout.
- Gender and Inclusion Evaluation (to not exceed three (3) pages, ideally as a Phrase Doc) that gives a concise evaluation of related gender norms, fairness and equality for underserved communities and marginalized populations, energy relations, and battle dynamics in goal nations. Potential domains of study embody institutional practices and obstacles, cultural norms, gender roles, entry to and management over property and assets, and patterns of energy and decision-making. Candidates ought to briefly clarify how they’ve built-in findings from their evaluation into undertaking design and/or different proposal paperwork, together with a plan for frequently reviewing and updating the gender and inclusion evaluation with native companions/beneficiaries, and making any vital changes to undertaking implementation. A set of guiding questions might be present in Part 2L of the PSI.
- Safety Plan addressing any points involving in-person occasions and recruitment for stated occasions, and security for any on-line applications or communications, together with unbiased IT safety audits (to incorporate a vulnerability evaluation) of any proposed internet software or platform. Group’s Safety Plan ought to exhibit consideration of the dangers recognized within the submitted danger evaluation. Prices may additionally be recognized throughout the price range and price range narrative. Candidates are additionally inspired to incorporate contingency plans for in-person or on-line actions.
- Contingency Plan for proposed actions ought to the initially deliberate actions not be capable of be carried out. The Contingency Plan needs to be submitted as a further annex. Candidates ought to exhibit consideration of the dangers recognized within the submitted danger evaluation and embody particular different actions or places as a part of the Contingency Plan. Any proposed “plan” should adjust to 2CFR200.433 – Contingency provisions. Plans should not embody unallocable or unallowable bills and should not lead to a bigger Complete Award Worth than the recognized because the “competitors ceiling.” DRL requires prior approval by the Grants Officer of the “plan” earlier than any actions can happen, or prices might be incurred towards the “plan.”
- Psychosocial Help (to be included into the ten (10) pages allowed for “Proposal Narrative,” and into “Price range” and “Price range Narrative”). A piece within the proposal, price range, and price range narrative to replicate acceptable assets and help for the psychosocial well being of employees (i.e., actions can vary from entry to instructional supplies and coaching alternatives to counseling companies to different contextually related help).
- References: For reference to worldwide steering, please see the next: Core Humanitarian Normal Dedication 8.9 (https://corehumanitarianstandard.org/files/files/CHS-Guidance-Notes-and-Indicators.pdf ); and IASC Pointers on Psychological Well being and Psychosocial Assist in Emergency Settings Motion Sheet 4.4 (http://www.who.int/mental_health/emergencies/guidelines_iasc_mental_health_psychosocial_june_2007.pdf ).
Functions that don’t embody the weather listed above shall be deemed technically ineligible.
D.2.2 Extra Software Paperwork
Robust purposes may also comprise the next:
- Particular person Letters of Assist and/or Memorandum of Understanding. Letters of help and MOUs should be particular to the undertaking implementation (e.g. from proposed companions or sub-award recipients) and won’t rely in direction of the web page restrict.
Please confer with the Proposal Submission Directions (PSI), up to date December 2022, on DRL’s web site for detailed steering on the paperwork above: https://www.state.gov/bureau-of-democracy-human-rights-and-labor/programs-and-grants/. For an software guidelines and pattern templates please see the Assets web page on DRL’s web site: https://www.state.gov/resources-for-programs-and-grants/. The pattern templates offered on the DRL web site are advised, however not obligatory.
DRL reserves the appropriate to request further paperwork not included on this NOFO. Moreover, to make sure that all purposes obtain a balanced analysis, the DRL evaluation panel will evaluation from the primary web page of every part as much as the web page restrict and no additional.
Be aware: If finally supplied with a notification of non-binding intent to make a federal award, candidates usually have two to 3 weeks to offer further info and paperwork requested within the notification of intent. The deadlines could differ in every notification of intent and candidates should adhere to the acknowledged deadline within the notification of intent.
D.2.3 Extra Data Requested For These Receiving Notification of Intent
Profitable candidates should submit, after notification of intent to make a federal award, however previous to issuance of a federal award:
- Written responses and revised software paperwork addressing situations and suggestions from the DRL evaluation panel;
- A duplicate of the applicant’s newest NICRA as a PDF file, if the applicant has a NICRA and consists of NICRA fees within the price range;
- A accomplished copy of the Division’s Monetary Administration Survey, if receiving DRL funding for the primary time;
- Submission of required paperwork to register within the Fee Administration System managed by the Division of Well being and Human Companies, if receiving DRL funding for the primary time (until an exemption is offered);
- Different requested info or paperwork included within the notification of intent to make a federal award or subsequent communications previous to issuance of a federal award;
- Candidates who submit their purposes by Grants.gov shall be required to create a SAMS Home account so as to settle for the ultimate award. Accounts should be logged into to each 60 days so as to preserve an lively account.
D.3 Distinctive Entity Identifier and System for Award Administration (SAM)
All prime organizations, whether or not primarily based in america or out of the country, will need to have a Distinctive Entity Identifier (UEI) and an lively registration with the SAM.gov earlier than submitting an software. DRL could not evaluation purposes from or make awards to candidates that haven’t accomplished all relevant UEI and SAM.gov necessities. A UEI is among the knowledge components mandated by Public Regulation 109-282, the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA), for all Federal awards.
Be aware: As of April 2022, a DUNS quantity is now not required for federal help purposes.
The two CFR 200 requires that sub-grantees receive a UEI quantity. Please word the UEI for sub-grantees will not be required on the time of software however shall be required earlier than the award is processed and/or directed to a sub-grantee.
Be aware: The method of acquiring or renewing a SAM.gov registration could take anyplace from 4-8 weeks. Please start your registration as early as doable.
- Organizations primarily based in america or that pay staff inside america will want an Employer Identification Quantity (EIN) from the Inside Income Service (IRS) and a UEI quantity previous to registering in SAM.gov. Please word that as of February 2023, organizations primarily based in america that don’t intend to use for U.S. Division of Protection (DoD) awards are now not required to have a Industrial and Authorities Entity (CAGE) code to use for non-DoD overseas help funding alternatives.
- If an applicant group is mid-registration and desires to take away an NCAGE code from their SAM.gov registration, the applicant ought to submit a help desk ticket (“incident”) with the Federal Service Desk (FSD) on-line at www.fsd.gov utilizing the next language: “I don’t intend to hunt monetary help from the Division of Protection. I don’t want to receive a CAGE code. I perceive that I might want to submit my registration after this incident is resolved so as to have my registration activated.”
- Organizations primarily based exterior of america and that don’t pay staff inside america don’t want an EIN from the IRS, however do want a UEI quantity previous to registering in SAM.gov. Please word that as of December 2022, organizations primarily based exterior of america that don’t intend to use for U.S. Division of Protection (DoD) awards are now not required to have a NATO CAGE (NCAGE) code to use for non-DoD overseas help funding alternatives.
- If an applicant group is mid-registration and desires to take away an NCAGE code from their SAM.gov registration, the applicant ought to submit a help desk ticket (“incident”) with the Federal Service Desk (FSD) on-line at www.fsd.gov utilizing the next language: “I don’t intend to hunt monetary help from the Division of Protection. I don’t want to receive an NCAGE code. I perceive that I might want to submit my registration after this incident is resolved so as to have my registration activated.”
Organizations primarily based exterior of america and that DO NOT plan to do enterprise with the DoD ought to comply with the beneath directions:
Step 1: Proceed to SAM.gov to acquire a UEI and full the SAM.gov registration course of. SAM.gov registration should be renewed yearly.
Organizations primarily based exterior of america and that DO plan to do enterprise with the DoD ought to comply with the beneath directions:
Step 1: Apply for an NCAGE code by following the directions on the NSPA NATO web site linked beneath:
Step 2: After receiving an NCAGE code, proceed to SAM.gov to acquire a UEI and full the SAM.gov registration course of. SAM.gov registration should be renewed yearly.
All prime organizations should additionally proceed to keep up lively SAM.gov registration with present info always throughout which they’ve an lively Federal award or software into consideration by a federal award company. SAM.gov requires all entities to resume their registration yearly so as to preserve an lively registration standing in SAM.gov. It’s the duty of the applicant to make sure it has an lively registration in SAM.gov and to keep up that lively registration. If an applicant has not absolutely complied with the necessities on the time of software, the applicant could also be deemed technically ineligible to obtain an award and use that dedication as a foundation for making an award to a different applicant.
Please confer with 2 CFR 25.200 for extra info.
Be aware: SAM.gov will not be the identical as SAMS Home. It is freed from cost to register in each methods, however the registration processes are completely different.
Data is included on the SAM.gov web site to assist worldwide registrations, together with “Fast Begin Information for Worldwide Registrations” and “Useful Hints.” Navigate to www.SAM.gov, click on “HELP” within the high navigation bar, then click on “Discover” and “New to SAM.gov?” for common info. Please word, steering on SAM.gov and the steering on GSA’s web site about requirement for registering in SAM.gov is topic to alter and is at present being up to date. Candidates ought to evaluation the web site for essentially the most up-to-date steering.
The hooked up “AQM Steering for NCAGE-SAM.gov for Grant Candidates as of Dec. 2022” is a compilation of assets gathered by the Division’s Workplace of Acquisitions Administration (AQM). Any content material proven from SAM.gov will not be owned by the Division of State. This steering and instruction are to one of the best of our data primarily based on the time of posting this solicitation. The place steering in these attachments differs from the SAM.gov web site, SAM.gov prevails and the applicant is inspired to hunt and doc responses offered by the SAM.gov assist desk.
D.3.1 Exemptions
An exemption from these necessities could also be permitted on a case-by-case foundation if:
- An applicant’s identification should be protected because of potential endangerment of their mission, their group’s standing, their staff, or people being served by the applicant.
- For an applicant, if the federal awarding company makes a dedication that there are exigent circumstances that prohibit the applicant from receiving a UEI and finishing SAM.gov registration previous to receiving a federal award. In these cases, federal awarding businesses should require the recipient to acquire a UEI and full SAM.gov registration inside 30 days of the federal award date.
Organizations requesting exemption from UEI or SAM.gov necessities should electronic mail the purpose of contact listed within the NOFO not less than two weeks previous to the deadline within the NOFO offering a justification of their request. Approval for a SAM.gov exemption should come from the warranted Grants Officer earlier than the applying might be deemed eligible for evaluation.
Be aware: As of December 2022, organizations primarily based exterior of america that don’t intend to use for U.S. Division of Protection (DoD) awards are now not required to have a NATO CAGE (NCAGE) code to use for non-DoD overseas help funding alternatives. As of February 2023, organizations primarily based in america that don’t intend to use for U.S. DoD awards are now not required to have a Industrial and Authorities Entity (CAGE) code to use for non-DoD overseas help funding alternatives.
D.4 Submission Dates and Occasions
Functions are due no later than 11:59 PM Jap Normal Time (EST), on 30/06/2023 on https://www.grants.gov/ or SAMS Home (https://mygrants.servicenowservices.com ) below the announcement title “DRL Investigative Journalism in Europe,” funding alternative quantity “SFOP0009648.”
Grants.gov and SAMS Home mechanically log the date and time an software submission is made, and the Division of State will use this info to find out whether or not an software has been submitted on time. Late purposes are neither reviewed nor thought-about. Identified system errors brought on by Grants.gov or SAMS Home (https://mygrants.service-now.com ) which can be exterior of the applicant’s management shall be reviewed on a case by case foundation. Candidates shouldn’t count on a notification upon DRL receiving their software.
D.5 Funding Restrictions
Previous to issuing a federal award with a complete quantity of federal share larger than $250,000, the Division of State is required to evaluation and take into account any details about the applicant that’s discovered within the designated integrity and efficiency system accessible by SAM.gov (41 USC §2313). An applicant, at its choice, could evaluation info within the designated integrity and efficiency methods accessible by SAM.gov and touch upon any details about itself {that a} federal awarding company beforehand entered and is at present within the designated integrity and efficiency system accessible by SAM.gov. The Division of State will take into account any feedback by the applicant, along with the opposite info within the designated integrity and efficiency system, in making a judgment concerning the applicant’s integrity, enterprise ethics, and file of efficiency below federal awards when finishing the evaluation of danger posed by candidates as described in 2 CFR 200.206.
DRL won’t take into account purposes that replicate any sort of help for any member, affiliate, or consultant of a delegated terrorist group. Please refer the hyperlink for International Terrorist Organizations: https://www.state.gov/foreign-terrorist-organizations/
Mission actions whose direct beneficiaries are overseas militaries or paramilitary teams or people won’t be thought-about for DRL funding given function limitations on funding.
In accordance with Division of State coverage for terrorism, candidates are suggested that profitable passing of vetting to guage the danger that funds could profit terrorists or their supporters is a situation of award. If chosen for an award, candidates shall be requested to submit info required by DS Type 4184, Danger Evaluation Data (hooked up to this solicitation) about their firm and its principal personnel. Vetting info can be required for all sub-award efficiency on help awards recognized by the Division of State as presenting a danger of terrorist financing. Vetting info may additionally be requested for undertaking beneficiaries and members. Failure to submit info when requested, or failure to cross vetting, could also be grounds for rejecting your proposal previous to award.
The Leahy Regulation prohibits Division overseas help funds from supporting overseas safety drive models if the Secretary of State has credible info that the unit has dedicated a gross violation of human rights. Per 22 USC §2378d(a) (2017) , “No help shall be furnished below this chapter [FOREIGN ASSISTANCE] or the Arms Export Management Act [22 USC 2751 et seq.] to any unit of the safety forces of a overseas nation if the Secretary of State has credible info that such unit has dedicated a gross violation of human rights.” Restrictions could apply to any proposed help to police or different regulation enforcement. Amongst these, pursuant to part 620M of the International Help Act of 1961, as amended (FAA), no help offered by this funding alternative could also be furnished to any unit of the safety forces of a overseas nation when there’s credible info that such unit has dedicated a gross violation of human rights. In accordance with the necessities of part 620M of the FAA, also called the Leahy regulation, undertaking beneficiaries or members from a overseas authorities’s safety forces could must be vetted by the Division earlier than the supply of any help. If a proposed grant or cooperative settlement will present help to overseas safety forces or personnel, compliance with the Leahy Regulation is required.
U.S. overseas help for Burma or Burmese beneficiaries is topic to restrictions. This consists of restrictions, pursuant to part 7043(a)(3) of the Division of State, International Operations, and Associated Packages Appropriations Act, 2020 (Div. G, P.L. 116-94)(SFOAA), on funds appropriated below title III of the act for help for Burma. Part 7043(a)(3) supplies that such funds “is probably not made obtainable to any group or entity managed by the armed forces of Burma, or to any particular person or group that advocates violence towards ethnic or non secular teams or people in Burma, as decided by the Secretary of State.” As well as, funds can’t be made obtainable to any particular person or group that has dedicated critical human rights abuse.
Organizations needs to be cognizant of those restrictions when growing undertaking proposals as these restrictions would require acceptable due diligence of program beneficiaries and collaboration with DRL to make sure compliance with these restrictions. Program beneficiaries topic to due diligence vetting will embody any people or entities which can be beneficiaries of overseas help funding or help. Due diligence vetting will embody a evaluation of open-source supplies.
Federal awards typically won’t enable reimbursement of pre-award prices; nevertheless, the Grants Officer could approve pre-award prices on a case-by-case foundation. Usually, development prices should not allowed below DRL awards. For added info, please see the DRL Proposal Submission Directions (PSI) for Functions: https://www.state.gov/bureau-of-democracy-human-rights-and-labor/programs-and-grants/.
D.6 Software Submission
All software submissions should be made electronically by way of www.grants.gov or SAMS Home (https://mygrants.servicenowservices.com ). Each methods require registration by the making use of group. Please word that the Grants.gov registration course of can take ten (10) enterprise days or longer, even when all registration steps are accomplished in a well timed method.
It’s the duty of the applicant to make sure that it has an lively registration in SAMS Home or Grants.gov. Candidates are required to doc that the applying has been obtained by SAMS Home or Grants.gov in its entirety. DRL bears no duty for disqualification that consequence from candidates not being registered earlier than the due date, for system errors in both SAMS Home or Grants.gov, or different errors within the software course of. Moreover, candidates should save a display screen shot of the guidelines displaying all paperwork submitted in case any doc fails to add efficiently.
Faxed, couriered, or emailed paperwork will not be accepted. Cheap lodging could, in acceptable circumstances, be offered to candidates with disabilities or for safety causes. Candidates should comply with all formatting directions within the relevant NOFO and these directions.
DRL encourages organizations to submit purposes throughout regular enterprise hours (Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM Jap Normal Time (EST)). If an applicant experiences technical difficulties and has contacted the suitable assist desk however will not be receiving well timed help (e.g. if in case you have not obtained a response inside 48 hours of contacting the assistance desk), chances are you’ll contact the DRL level of contact listed within the NOFO in Part G. The purpose of contact could help in contacting the suitable assist desk.
The Grants Officer will decide technical eligibility of all purposes.
SAMS Home Functions:
Candidates utilizing SAMS Home for the primary time ought to full their “New Group Registration.” To register with SAMS Home, click on “Login to https://mygrants.servicenowservices.com ” and comply with the “create an account” hyperlink.
Organizations should keep in mind to avoid wasting a display screen shot of the guidelines displaying all paperwork submitted in case any doc fails to add efficiently.
SAMS Home Assist Desk:
For help with SAMS Home accounts and technical points associated to the system, please contact the ILMS assist desk by telephone at +1 (888) 313-4567 (toll fees apply for worldwide callers) or by the Self Service on-line portal that may be accessed from https://mygrants.servicenowservices.com . Buyer help is accessible 24/7.
Grants.gov Functions:
Candidates who don’t submit purposes by way of SAMS Home could submit by way of www.grants.gov.
Please be suggested that finishing all the required registration steps for acquiring a username and password from Grants.gov can take ten (10) enterprise days or longer.
Please confer with the Grants.gov web site for definitions of assorted “software statuses” and the distinction between a submission receipt and a submission validation. Candidates will obtain a validation e-mail from Grants.gov upon the profitable submission of an software. Validation of an digital submission by way of Grants.gov can take as much as two enterprise days. Moreover, organizations should keep in mind to avoid wasting a screenshot of the guidelines displaying all paperwork submitted in case any doc fails to add efficiently.
Grants.gov Helpdesk:
For help with Grants.gov, please name the Contact Middle at +1 (800) 518-4726 or electronic mail help@grants.gov. The Contact Middle is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days per week, besides federal holidays.
See https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/federal-holidays/ for a listing of federal holidays.
E. Software Assessment Data
E.1 Proposal Assessment Standards
The DRL evaluation panel will consider every software individually towards the next standards, listed beneath so as of significance, and never towards competing purposes. Please use the beneath standards as a reference, however don’t construction your software based on the sub-sections.
High quality of Mission Thought
Functions needs to be conscious of this system framework and coverage aims recognized within the NOFO, acceptable within the nation/regional context, and may exhibit originality, substance, precision, and relevance to DRL’s mission of selling human rights and democracy. Tasks ought to have the potential to have a direct impression resulting in long-term, sustainable reforms. DRL prefers new approaches that don’t duplicate efforts by different entities. This doesn’t exclude from consideration initiatives that enhance upon or increase present profitable initiatives in a brand new and complementary method. In nations the place related actions are already happening, an evidence needs to be offered as to how new actions won’t duplicate or merely add to present actions and the way these efforts shall be coordinated. Proposals that promote inventive approaches to acknowledged ongoing challenges are extremely inspired. DRL prioritizes undertaking proposals with inclusive approaches for advancing these rights.
Mission Planning/Skill to Obtain Targets
A robust software will embody a transparent articulation of how the proposed undertaking actions contribute to the general undertaking aims, and every exercise shall be clearly developed and detailed. A complete month-to-month work plan ought to exhibit substantive undertakings and the logistical capability of the group. Targets needs to be bold but measurable, results-focused and achievable in an affordable timeframe. A whole software should embody a Logic Mannequin to exhibit how the undertaking actions will have an effect on its proposed aims. The Logic Mannequin ought to match the aims, outcomes, key actions, and outputs described within the narrative. Functions ought to tackle how the undertaking will have interaction related stakeholders and may determine native companions as acceptable.
If native companions have been recognized, DRL strongly encourages candidates to submit letters of help from proposed in-country companions. Moreover, candidates ought to describe the division of labor among the many direct applicant and any native companions. If relevant, purposes ought to determine goal geographic areas for actions, goal participant teams or choice standards for members, and the precise roles of sub-awardees, amongst different pertinent particulars.
DRL acknowledges that each one applications have some stage of danger because of inner/exterior variables which have the potential to adversely have an effect on a program. Danger administration ought to tackle how the undertaking design incorporates the identification, evaluation, and administration of key danger elements. DRL will evaluation the Danger Evaluation primarily based on the group’s capability to determine dangers that might have an effect on the general program in addition to how the group will handle these dangers.
Establishment’s File and Capability
DRL will take into account the previous efficiency of prior recipients and the demonstrated potential of latest candidates. Functions ought to exhibit an institutional file of profitable democracy and human rights applications, together with accountable fiscal administration and full compliance with all reporting necessities for previous grants. Proposed personnel and institutional assets needs to be enough and acceptable to realize the undertaking’s aims. Tasks ought to have potential for continued funding past DRL assets.
Addressing Limitations to Equal Participation
DRL strives to make sure its initiatives advance the rights and uphold the dignity of all individuals. Because the U.S. authorities’s lead bureau devoted to selling democratic governance, DRL requests a programming strategy devoted to strengthening inclusive societies as a vital pillar of robust democracies. Discrimination, violence, inequity, and inequality concentrating on any members of society undermines collective safety and threatens democracy. DRL prioritizes inclusive and built-in program fashions that assess and tackle the obstacles to entry for people and teams primarily based on their race, ethnicity, faith, revenue, geography, gender identification, sexual orientation, or incapacity. The proposal also needs to exhibit how the undertaking will additional engagement in underserved communities and with people from underserved communities. Candidates ought to describe how programming will impression all of its beneficiaries, together with help for underserved and underrepresented communities. This strategy needs to be an integral a part of each the idea and specific design, and implementation of all proposed undertaking actions, aims, and monitoring. Robust proposals will present particular evaluation, measures, and corresponding targets as acceptable. Stakeholders shall determine the distinction between alternatives and obstacles to entry, and design initiatives accordingly to not perpetuate these inequalities, however moderately improve programmatic impression by together with all folks in society. The objective of this strategy is to carry communities and people in energy collectively in help of extra steady and safe societies.
Value Effectiveness
DRL strongly encourages candidates to obviously exhibit undertaking cost-effectiveness of their software, together with examples of leveraging institutional and different assets. Nonetheless, cost-sharing or different examples of leveraging different assets should not required. Inclusion of cost-sharing within the price range doesn’t lead to further factors awarded in the course of the evaluation course of. Budgets ought to have low and/or affordable overhead and administration prices, and candidates ought to present clear explanations and justifications for these prices in relation to the work concerned. All price range gadgets needs to be clearly defined and justified to exhibit necessity, appropriateness, and connection to the undertaking aims.
Please word: If price share is included within the price range, the recipient should preserve written data to help all allowable prices which can be claimed as its contribution to price share, in addition to prices to be paid by the Federal authorities. Such data are topic to audit. Within the occasion the recipient doesn’t meet the minimal quantity of cost-sharing as stipulated within the recipient’s price range, DRL’s contribution could also be lowered in proportion to the recipient’s contribution.
Multiplier Impact/Sustainability
Functions ought to clearly delineate how components of the undertaking could have a multiplier impact and be sustainable past the lifetime of the grant. multiplier impact will have an effect past the direct beneficiaries of the grant (e.g. members skilled below a grant go on to coach different folks; workshop members use expertise from a workshop to boost a nationwide stage election that impacts your complete populace). A robust sustainability plan could embody demonstrating persevering with impression past the lifetime of a undertaking or garnering different donor help after DRL funding ceases.
Mission Monitoring and Analysis
Full purposes will embody an in depth M&E Narrative, which element how the undertaking’s progress shall be monitored and evaluated. Incorporating well-designed monitoring and analysis processes right into a undertaking is an environment friendly methodology for documenting the change (meant and unintended) {that a} undertaking seeks. Functions ought to exhibit the capability to offer aims with measurable outputs and outcomes.
The standard of the M&E sections shall be judged on the narrative explaining how each monitoring and analysis shall be carried out and who shall be accountable for these associated actions. The M&E Narrative ought to clarify how analysis(s), inner or exterior, shall be included into the undertaking implementation plan or how the undertaking shall be systematically assessed within the absence of 1. Please see the part on Monitoring and Analysis Narrative within the Proposal Submission Directions (PSI) for extra info on what’s required within the narrative.
Be aware: Candidates are now not required to submit an in depth Monitoring and Analysis Plan of their proposals. Nonetheless, candidates needs to be conscious that, ought to an software transfer ahead for funding consideration, DRL will request an in depth Monitoring and Analysis Plan for additional evaluation and approval.
The output and outcome-based efficiency indicators shouldn’t solely be separated by undertaking aims but additionally ought to match the aims, outcomes, and outputs detailed within the Logic Mannequin and Proposal Narrative. Efficiency indicators needs to be clearly outlined (i.e., defined how the indications shall be measured and reported) both throughout the desk or with a separate Efficiency Indicator Reference Sheet (PIRS). For every efficiency indicator, the desk also needs to embody baselines and quarterly and cumulative targets, knowledge assortment instruments, knowledge sources, sorts of knowledge disaggregation, and frequency of monitoring and analysis. There also needs to be metrics to seize how undertaking actions goal those that face discrimination because of their faith, gender, disabilities, ethnicity or sexual orientation and gender identification, the place relevant. Please see the part on Monitoring and Analysis Plan within the Proposal Submission Directions (PSI) for extra info on what’s required within the plan.
E.2 Assessment and Choice Course of
DRL strives to make sure that every software receives a balanced analysis by a DRL evaluation panel. AQM will decide technical eligibility for all purposes. All technically eligible purposes for a given NOFO are reviewed towards the identical seven standards, which embody high quality of undertaking thought, undertaking planning/capability to realize aims, institutional file and capability, inclusive programming, price effectiveness, multiplier impact/sustainability, and undertaking monitoring and analysis.
Moreover, the DRL evaluation panel will consider how the applying addresses the NOFO request, U.S. overseas coverage objectives, and the precedence wants of DRL general. DRL may additionally consider the stability of the present portfolio of lively initiatives, together with geographic or thematic variety, if wanted.
Usually, the DRL evaluation panel consists of representatives from DRL, the suitable Division of State regional bureau (to incorporate suggestions from U.S. embassies), and U.S. Company for Worldwide Growth (USAID) (to incorporate suggestions from USAID missions). In some circumstances, further panelists could take part, together with from different Division of State bureaus or workplaces; U.S. authorities departments, businesses, or boards; representatives from associate governments; or representatives from entities which can be in a public-private partnership with DRL. On the finish of the panel’s dialogue about an software, the evaluation panel votes on whether or not to suggest the applying for approval by the DRL Assistant Secretary. If extra purposes are really useful for approval than DRL can finally fund, the evaluation panel will rank the really useful purposes in precedence order for consideration by the DRL Assistant Secretary. The Grants Officer Consultant (GOR) for the eventual award doesn’t vote on the panel. All panelists should signal non-disclosure agreements and conflicts of curiosity agreements.
DRL evaluation panels could present situations and suggestions on purposes to boost the proposed undertaking, which should be addressed by the applicant earlier than additional consideration of the award. To make sure efficient use of DRL funds, situations or suggestions could embody requests to extend, lower, make clear, and/or justify prices and undertaking actions.
F. Federal Award Administration Data
F.1 Federal Award Notices
DRL will present a separate notification to candidates on the results of their purposes. Profitable candidates will obtain a letter electronically by way of electronic mail requesting that the applicant reply to evaluation panel situations and suggestions. This notification will not be an authorization to start actions and doesn’t represent formal approval or a funding dedication.
Ultimate approval is contingent on the applicant efficiently responding to the evaluation panel’s situations and suggestions; being registered in required methods, together with the U.S. authorities’s Fee Administration System (PMS), until an exemption is offered; and finishing and offering any further documentation requested by DRL or AQM. Ultimate approval can be contingent on Congressional Notification necessities being met and ultimate evaluation and approval by the Division’s warranted Grants Officer.
The discover of Federal award signed by the Division’s warranted Grants Officers is the only authorizing doc. If awarded, the discover of Federal award shall be offered to the applicant’s designated Authorizing Official by way of SAMS Home to be electronically counter-signed within the system.
F.2 Administrative and Nationwide Coverage and Authorized Necessities
DRL requires all recipients of overseas help funding to adjust to all relevant Division and Federal legal guidelines and laws, together with however not restricted to the next:
The Uniform Administrative Necessities, Value Ideas and Audit Necessities for Federal Awards set forth in 2 CFR Chapter 200 (Sub-Chapters A by F) shall apply to all non-Federal entities, aside from help awards to People and International Public Entities. Sub-Chapters A by E shall apply to all overseas organizations, and Sub-Chapters A by D shall apply to all U.S. and overseas for-profit entities. The applicant/recipient of the award and any sub-recipient below the award should adjust to all relevant phrases and situations, along with the reassurance and certifications made a part of the Discover of Award. The Division’s Normal Phrases and Circumstances might be seen at https://www.state.gov/about-us-office-of-the-procurement-executive/.
Moreover, DRL helps implementation of the Nationwide Technique on Gender Fairness and Equality; the Ladies Peace and Safety (WPS) Act of 2017, which highlights the U.S. dedication to the significant participation of girls in battle prevention, administration, and backbone; and the Division of State WPS Implementation Plan. For added info, please confer with the next hyperlink: https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/senate-bill/1141 .
As a result of dedication made below the Trafficking Victims Safety Act (TVPA) for funds obligated throughout FY 2023, help that advantages the governments of the next nations could also be topic to a restriction below the TVPA. The Division of State determines on a case-by-case foundation what constitutes help to a authorities; the overall ideas listed beneath apply.
Help to the federal government consists of:
- All branches of presidency (government, legislative, judicial) in any respect ranges (nationwide, regional, native);
- Public faculties, universities, hospitals, and state-owned enterprises, in addition to authorities staff;
- Money, coaching, gear, companies, or different help offered on to the federal government, help offered to an NGO or different implementer for the good thing about the federal government, and help to authorities staff.
Topic to TVPA for funds obligated throughout FY 2023:
EUR: Belarus, Russia
Extra necessities could also be included relying on the content material of this system.
F.3 Reporting
Candidates ought to concentrate on the post-award reporting necessities for federal help awards as mirrored in 2 CFR 200 Appendix XII – Award Time period and Situation for Recipient Integrity and Efficiency Issues. DRL awards require that each one studies (monetary and progress) are uploaded to the federal award file in SAMS Home on a quarterly foundation. The Federal Monetary Report (FFR or SF-425) is the required type for monetary studies and should be submitted in PMS, and a duplicate of the report submitted in PMS then uploaded to the award file in SAMS Home. Progress studies uploaded to the award file in SAMS Home should embody a story as described beneath in addition to Program Indicators (or different mutually agreed upon format accepted by the Grants Officer), together with commonplace (F) framework indicators and DRL framework indicators. F and DRL framework indicators shall be reviewed and negotiated in the course of the ultimate levels of issuing an award on a project-by-project foundation.
Narrative progress studies ought to replicate the deal with measuring the undertaking’s progress on the overarching aims and needs to be compiled based on the aims, outcomes, and outputs as outlined within the award’s Scope of Work (SOW) and within the Monitoring & Analysis Narrative. An evaluation of the general undertaking’s achievements needs to be included in every progress report. The place related, progress studies ought to embody the next sections:
- Related contextual info (restricted);
- Rationalization and analysis of serious actions of the reporting interval and the way the actions replicate progress towards attaining aims, together with assembly benchmarks/targets as set within the accepted M&E Plan. As well as, connect the M&E Plan, evaluating the goal and precise numbers for the indications;
- Any qualitative impression or success tales from the undertaking, when doable;
- Copy of baseline, mid-term, and/or ultimate analysis report(s) carried out by an exterior evaluator; if relevant;
- Related supporting documentation or merchandise associated to the undertaking actions (corresponding to articles, assembly lists and agendas, participant surveys, images, manuals, and so forth.) as separate attachments;
- Description of how the recipient is pursuing sustainability, together with on the lookout for sources of follow-on funding;
- Any issues/challenges in implementing the undertaking and a corrective motion plan with an up to date timeline of actions;
- The reason why established objectives weren’t met;
- Knowledge for the required F and/or DRL framework indicator(s) for the quarter in addition to combination knowledge by fiscal 12 months;
- Program Indicators or different mutually agreed upon format accepted by the Grants Officer;
- Proposed actions for the following quarter; and,
- Extra pertinent info, together with evaluation and rationalization of price overruns or excessive unit prices, if relevant.
International Help Knowledge Assessment: As required by Congress, the Division of State should make progress in its efforts to enhance monitoring and reporting of overseas help knowledge by the International Help Knowledge Assessment (FADR). The FADR requires monitoring of overseas help exercise knowledge from budgeting, planning, and allocation by obligation and disbursement. Profitable candidates shall be required to report and draw down federal funding primarily based on the suitable FADR Knowledge Parts, indicated inside their award documentation. In circumstances of a couple of FADR Knowledge Ingredient, usually program or sector and/or areas or nation, the profitable applicant shall be required to keep up separate accounting data.
A ultimate narrative and monetary report should even be submitted inside 120 days after the expiration of the award.
Please word: Delays in reporting could lead to delays of fee approvals and failure to offer required studies could jeopardize the recipient’s’ capability to obtain future U.S. authorities funds. DRL reserves the appropriate to request any further programmatic and/or monetary undertaking info in the course of the award interval.
G. Contact Data
For technical submission questions associated to this NOFO, please contact DRL-EUR-ProgramInfo@state.gov.
For help with SAMS Home accounts and technical points associated to the system, please contact the ILMS assist desk by telephone at +1 (888) 313-4567 (toll fees apply for worldwide callers) or by the Self Service on-line portal that may be accessed from https://afsitsm.service-now.com/ilms/home . Buyer help is accessible 24/7.
Please word that establishing an account in SAMS Home could require the usage of smartphone for multi-factor authentication (MFA). If an applicant doesn’t have accessibility to a smartphone in the course of the time of making an account, please contact the helpdesk and request directions on MFA for Home windows PC.
For help with Grants.gov accounts and technical points associated to utilizing the system, please name the Contact Middle at +1 (800) 518-4726 or electronic mail help@grants.gov. The Contact Middle is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days per week, besides federal holidays.
For a listing of federal holidays go to: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/federal-holidays/
Aside from technical submission questions, in the course of the NOFO interval U.S. Division of State employees in Washington and abroad shall not talk about this competitors with candidates till your complete proposal evaluation course of has been accomplished and rejection and approval letters have been transmitted.
H. Different Data
Candidates needs to be conscious that DRL understands that some info contained in purposes could also be thought-about delicate or proprietary and can make acceptable efforts to guard such info. Nonetheless, candidates are suggested that DRL can not assure that such info won’t be disclosed, together with pursuant to the Freedom of Data Act (FOIA) or different related statutes.
The data on this NOFO and “Proposal Submission Directions for Functions” is binding and is probably not modified by any DRL consultant. Explanatory info offered by DRL that contradicts this language won’t be binding. Issuance of the NOFO and negotiation of purposes doesn’t represent an award dedication on the a part of the U.S. authorities. DRL reserves the appropriate to cut back, revise, or improve proposal budgets.
This NOFO will seem on www.grants.gov, SAMS Domestic , and DRL’s web site https://www.state.gov/bureau-of-democracy-human-rights-and-labor/programs-and-grants/.
Background Data on DRL and Basic DRL Funding
DRL has the mission of selling democracy and defending human rights and elementary freedoms globally. DRL helps initiatives designed by an evidence-based framework that empower native civil society companions to advertise and defend democracy globally, together with efforts to counter authoritarianism, promote human rights, and meaningfully tackle variety, fairness, and inclusion as a core ingredient of excellent governance. DRL usually focuses its work in nations going through human rights violations and abuses, the place democracy and human rights defenders are below strain, and the place governance infrastructure is undemocratic, in transition, or vulnerable to backsliding.
Extra background info on DRL and its efforts might be discovered on https://www.state.gov/bureaus-offices/under-secretary-for-civilian-security-democracy-and-human-rights/bureau-of-democracy-human-rights-and-labor/.