PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

The U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Section (PAS) in Dushanbe announces a call for proposals to provide logistical management of a network of alumni of U.S. government (USG) programs in Tajikistan.

Background:

During the past 27 years, nearly five thousand citizens of Tajikistan have participated in USG sponsored exchange programs.  Even though the alumni have been successful individually, there is no defined network to continue to engage and connect them, allowing them to build on their success, support each other, and promote further exchanges between the U.S. and Tajikistan.

Goal:

In coordination with the U.S. Embassy Dushanbe, the grantee will support and strengthen the U.S. Alumni Network in Tajikistan (USANT), so that alumni can build upon the shared intellectual, social, cultural, and democratic values of the people of Tajikistan and the United States.

The long-term goal of this program is to create a sustainable alumni-driven network of exchange participants in Tajikistan.  The U.S. Embassy envisions this occurring in three phases. Applications for the following cooperative agreement must address all activities in Phase 1 for this 12-month cooperative agreement. Given time and resources, the grantee should also lay the groundwork or begin the activities in Phase 2.  Ultimately, the U.S. Embassy expects that the program will move towards the third phase in coming years.

• Phase 1:
  • Facilitate creation of regional chapters (GBAO, Sughd, Khatlon and District of Republican Subordination);
  • Strengthen and engage the alumni community through creating and maintaining an alumni database;
  • Facilitate Alumni Mentorship Program at the national level;
  • Organize alumni reunions and reconnect programs at the national level;
  • Identify goals and measureable milestones that can be used to track alumni engagement across the country;

• Phase 2:
  • Strengthen newly established alumni chapters through a small grants program;
  • Organize alumni reunions and reconnect programs at the global, regional and national level;
  • Organize and develop goal-oriented and measurable programs and events for alumni across the country;
  • Increase awareness of alumni post-program achievements in different media outlets (such as radio, television, social media, new alumni network website);

• Phase 3:
  • Organize alumni reunions and reconnect programs at the global, regional and national level;
  • Engage and strengthen alumni voices through alumni-driven thematic conferences.

FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION:

Funding Instrument Type:  Cooperative Agreement

Anticipated period of performance: 12 months

Number of awards anticipated: 1

Ceiling of Award Amounts:  $25,000

The U.S. Embassy Dushanbe Public Affairs Section reserves the right to award less or more than the funds described in the absence of worthy applications or under such other circumstances as it may deem to be in the best interests of the U.S. Government.

Project and Budget Periods:  The Public Affairs Section will entertain applications beyond the initial budget period, on a noncompetitive basis, subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the program, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interests of the U.S. Department of State.

ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION:

The U.S. Embassy Dushanbe Public Affairs Section encourages applications from Tajik nonprofit, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) with preference given to organizations with at least two years of programming experience.  This experience should be documented in the organization’s proposal.  A copy of the organization’s registration should be provided with the proposal application.  Organizations should submit a copy of their certificate of registration from the appropriate government organization.

Other Eligibility Requirements:

In order to be eligible to receive an award, organizations must complete the following:

1. Apply for a DUNS number and an NCAGE number (these can be completed simultaneously)
   1. 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
   2. NCAGE application: Application page here (but need to click magnifying glass and then scroll down to click new registration) https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/scage/CageList.aspx
      1. Instructions for the NCAGE application process:https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/Docs/US%20Instructions%20for%20NSPA%20NCAGE.pdf
         1. For help from within the U.S., call 1-888-227-2423
         2. For help from outside the U.S., call 1-269-961-7766
      2. Email NCAGE@dlis.dla.mil for any problems in getting an NCAGE code. After receiving the NCAGE Code, proceed to register in SAM by logging onto: https://www.sam.gov/
   3. Once DUNS and NCAGE are obtained, continue to SAM registration on SAM.gov
   4. Once SAM registration is confirmed, continue to Grants.gov organization registration http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html.Organizations must maintain an active SAM registration (SAM.gov) with current information at all times during which they have an active Federal award or an application under consideration by a Federal awarding agency. SAM registration must be renewed annually. Given the volume of applications, review may take up to 90 days, and we are unable to individually confirm receipt of proposals.
   5. Register yourself as an Authorized Organization Representative (AOR); and be authorized as an AOR by your organization on grants.gov

APPLICATION & SUBMISSION INFORMATION

Submission Deadline: July 1, 2019 (11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time)

Please follow all instructions below carefully.  Proposals that do not meet the requirements of this announcement will not be considered.

Application Submission Process: There are two submission methods available to applicants.  Applicants may submit their application using Submission Method A or Submission Method B outlined below.

Submission Method A:  Submitting all application materials directly to the following email address: AlumniTajikistan@state.gov.  Applicants opting to submit applications via email to AlumniTajikistan@state.gov must include the Funding Opportunity Title and Funding Opportunity Number in the subject line of the email.

Submission Method B: Submitting all application materials through Grants.gov.  For those opting to apply through Grants.gov, thorough instructions on the application process are available at http://www.grants.gov. For questions relating to Grants.gov, please call the Grants.gov Contact Center at +1-800-518-4726 or go to https://www.grants.gov/support.html. Please note that AlumniTajikistan@state.gov is unable to assist with technical questions or problems applicants experience with Grants.gov.

Applicants utilizing Grants.gov must register with Grants.gov prior to submitting an application. Registering with Grants.gov is a one-time process; however, it could take as long as two weeks to have the registration validated and confirmed. Please begin the registration process immediately to ensure that the process is completed well in advance of the deadline for applications. Until that process is complete, you will not be issued a user password for Grants.gov, which is required for application submission.

Timely receipt requirements and proof of timely submission 

If an applicant applies through Submission Method A, they can expect a confirmation of receipt from PAS within 10 work days. If the applicant does not receive an email confirmation in that time, they should contact AlumniTajikistan@state.gov to ensure the proposal was received.

If an applicant applies through Submission Method B, applicants will receive an acknowledgement of receipt and a tracking number from Grants.gov with the successful transmission of their application. When PAS successfully retrieves the application from Grants.gov and acknowledges the download of submissions, Grants.gov will provide an electronic acknowledgment of receipt to the email address of the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR).

Proposal:

Project proposal must be submitted in English only, and final grant agreements will be concluded in English. Proposal must include:

• Proposal Summary: Short narrative that outlines the proposed project, including project objectives and anticipated impact.
• Introduction to the Organization Applying: A description of past and present operations, showing ability to carry out the project, 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 project is needed
• Project Goals and Objectives: The “goals” describe what the project is intended to achieve.  The “objectives” refer to the intermediate accomplishments on the way to the goals. These should be achievable and measurable.
• Project Activities: Describe the project activities and how they will help achieve the objectives.
• Program Methods and Design: A description of how the project is expected to work to solve the stated problem and achieve the goal. Include a logic model as appropriate
• Proposed Project Schedule and Timeline: The proposed timeline for the project activities.  Include the dates, times, and locations of planned activities and events
• Key Personnel (up to four staff): Names, titles, roles and experience/qualifications of key personnel involved in the project. What proportion of their time will be used in support of this project?
• Project Partners: List the names and type of involvement of key partner organizations and sub-awardees
• Project Monitoring and Evaluation Plan: The Monitoring and Evaluation component of the proposal will outline in detail how the proposal’s activities will advance the program’s goals and objectives (listed above). A strong proposal will include:
  • Any outcomes the grantee expects to occur because of their program. Outcomes could include: change in knowledge, awareness, and attitudes; improved quality of services; increased capacity at a school, group; etc.  Proposals should also include how the grantee will know those outcomes are occurring (surveys, interviews, observations, etc.)
    • For example: If the program expects that a teacher-training program will improve the skills of a teacher, a proposal may explain the skills the teacher would gain and plan to perform a pre- and post-survey that would show a change in understanding due to the program.
  • A schedule of when grant activities will occur (such as participant selection, workshops, travel, lectures, trainings, etc.), and when the grantee will check the grant’s progress to know how it is performing. Results of those checks are expected to be reported in the quarterly reports.
  • A plan to include the grantee’s reflection of how their program, as a whole, contributed to the program’s goals. As applicable, a strong final report would be supported by success stories, behaviors changed, lessons learned, and results obtained.

Budget Justification Narrative:

Budgets must be submitted in U.S. dollars and final grant agreements will be conducted in U.S. dollars.

• Applicants must submit a detailed budget and budget narrative justification utilizing the template provided. Line item expenditures should be listed in the greatest possible detail.
• Publishing short informational publications, manuals and public informational materials are allowable. All publishing should be clearly linked to the project activity, should describe the intended audience, provide a clear understanding of the material’s content, how materials will be distributed, and specify who is responsible for the distribution of the materials.
• Salaries (up to four staff including income tax and social deductions), equipment, and other administrative expenses are allowable only as they relate to specific project activities. Salary or honoraria should be listed according to rate of pay and percentage of time spent on program-related activities.
• Coffee breaks and working lunches only will be considered on case by case basis and should be clearly justified and limited to a maximum of 10% of the total award amount.
• Lodging costs should be indicated separately from meal costs related to the project activities.

Mandatory application forms:  Standard Forms 424 are available, along with guidance for completing these forms, at: http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms.html under the heading, “SF-424 Family.”

1. SF424 (Application for Federal Assistance – organizations)
2. SF424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs)
3. SF424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs)

Organization Information: Applicants must complete and submit the Applicant Organization Survey (attached).

REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS

The U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe has formed a Selection Committee consisting of representatives from U.S. government agencies to review submitted proposals. Once the application process is over, it may take up to three months to complete the review and approval process.

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 should be well developed, with sufficient detail about how project activities will be carried out. The proposals should demonstrate originality and outline clear, achievable objectives. The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline. The project scope is appropriate and clearly defined.
• Organizational Capacity and Record on Previous Grants – 25 points:
  • The organization has expertise in the subject area and demonstrates the ability to perform the proposed activities.
  • The organization demonstrates capacity for successful planning and responsible fiscal management. This includes a financial management system and a bank account.
  • Applicants who have received grant funds previously have been compliant with applicable rules and regulations.
  • Where partners are described, the applicant details each partner’s respective role and provides curriculum vitae (CVs) for persons responsible for the project and financial administration. Proposed personnel, institutional resources, and partners are adequate and appropriate
• Project Planning/Ability to Achieve Objectives – 15 points: The project plan is well developed, with sufficient detail about how activities will be carried out. The proposal specifies target audiences, participant recruitment, and geographic areas of implementation. The proposal outlines clear, achievable objectives. The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline. The project scope is appropriate and clearly defined.
• Budget – 10 points: The budget and narrative justification are sufficiently 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. The results and proposed outcomes justify the total cost of the project. Budget items are reasonable, allowable, and allocable.
• Monitoring and Evaluation – 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.
• Sustainability – 10 points: Project activities will continue to have positive impact after the end of the project.

FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION:

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 project expenses beginning on the start date shown on the grant award document signed by the Grants Officer.

This NOFO is subject to funds availability. If a proposal is funded, the Department of State has no obligation to provide any additional future funding in connection with the award.  Renewal of an award to increase funding or extend the period of performance is at the total discretion of the Department of State.

The Federal government is not obligated to make any Federal award as a result of the announcement. 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. The U.S. government also reserves the right to make an award in excess of the award ceiling.

Administrative and National Policy Requirements

Terms and Conditions: Before submitting an application, applicants should review all the terms and conditions and required certifications that apply to this award, to ensure that they will be able to comply.  These include: 2 CFR 200, 2 CFR 600, Certifications and Assurances, and the Department of State Standard Terms and Conditions, all of which are available at:  https://www.state.gov/documents/organization/271865.pdf

Reporting

Recipients are required to submit quarterly reports to program progress and financial reports throughout the project period. Progress and financial reports are due 30 days after the reporting period. Final certified programmatic and financial reports are due 90 days after the close of the project period.

All reports are to be submitted electronically.

Awardees that are deemed to be high risk may be required to submit more extensive and frequent reports until their high risk designation has been removed.

The Awardee must also provide the Embassy on an annual basis an inventory of all the U.S. government provided equipment using the SF428 form. For awards with a period of performance less than one year, the SF428 will be required at the end of the award.

FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS

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

For questions relating to Grants.gov, please call the Grants.gov Contact Center at 1-800-518-4726.

To inquire about the process for obtaining a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) contact Donald Hunter at HunterDS@state.gov.

By U.S. Embassy Dushanbe | 6 June, 2019 | Topics: Education