U.S. Department of State – Public Affairs Section (PAS) Grant for Strengthening U.S.-Mauritania Cultural Ties

For full announcement, please see the U.S. Embassy Nouakchott website at:  https://mr.usembassy.gov/embassy/nouakchott/grants/

 A.    PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The U.S. Embassy Nouakchott Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program. This is an Annual Program Statement, outlining our funding priorities, the strategic themes we focus on, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding.  Please carefully follow all instructions below.

 Purpose of Small Grants: PAS Nouakchott invites proposals for programs that strengthen cultural ties between the U.S. and Mauritania through cultural and exchange programming that highlights shared values and promotes bilateral cooperation. All programs must include an American cultural element, or connection with American expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives.

 Examples of PAS Small Grants Program programs include, but are not limited to:

•Academic and professional lectures, seminars and speaker programs;

•Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances and exhibitions; and

•Cultural heritage conservation and preservation programs.

Priority Program Areas:

Proposals should be related to one or more of the following U.S. Embassy priority program areas:

 1.     Increased Opportunity and Reduced Poverty

 Example projects under this program area could focus on:

•Entrepreneurship

•Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM)

•Environmental protection

2.     Promoting an Inclusive Society

 Example projects under this program area could focus on:

•Promoting social inclusion

•Reducing discrimination in all its forms

•Advocacy for inclusive national identity

•Cross-Cultural dialogue and understanding

•Human rights

•Cultural and ethnic diversity

Participants and Audiences:

The target audiences should be youth, women, and culturally/ethnically diverse communities.

The following types of programs are not eligible for funding:

•Programs relating to partisan political activity;

•Charitable or development activities;

•Construction programs;

•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; or

•Programs that duplicate existing programs.

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Length of performance period: 1 to 6 months

Number of awards anticipated: 10 awards (dependent on amount)

Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $1000 to a maximum of $5000

Total anticipated funding: $34,000

Type of Funding:  Fiscal Year 2019 Public Diplomacy Funding

Anticipated program start date:  June 2019

This notice is subject to availability of funding.

Funding Instrument Type:  Grant or Fixed Amount Award.

Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed by September 30, 2020 or prior. 

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The U.S. Embassy Nouakchott Public Affairs Section
(PAS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is
available through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program. This is an Annual
Program Statement, outlining our funding priorities, the strategic themes we
focus on, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding. Please
carefully follow all instructions below.

Purpose
of Small Grants: PAS Nouakchott invites proposals for programs that strengthen
cultural ties between the U.S. and Mauritania through
cultural and exchange programming that highlights shared values and promotes
bilateral cooperation. All programs must include an American cultural element, or
connection with American expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s in a
specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and
perspectives.

Examples of PAS Small Grants Program programs
include, but are not limited to:

• Academic and professional lectures, seminars and speaker programs;

• Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances and exhibitions; and

• Cultural heritage conservation and preservation programs.

Priority
Program Areas:

Proposals should be related to one or more of the following U.S. Embassy
priority program areas:

1. Increased Opportunity and Reduced Poverty

Example projects under this program area could focus
on:

• Entrepreneurship

• Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM)

• Environmental protection

2.
Promoting an Inclusive Society

Example projects under this program area could focus on:

• Promoting social inclusion

• Reducing discrimination in all its forms

• Advocacy for inclusive national identity

• Cross-Cultural dialogue and understanding

• Human rights

• Cultural and ethnic diversity

Participants
and Audiences:

The target audiences should be youth, women, and
culturally/ethnically diverse communities.

The following types of programs are not eligible for funding:

• Programs relating to partisan political activity;

• Charitable or development activities;

• Construction programs;

• 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; or

• Programs that duplicate existing programs.

B.
FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Length of performance period: 1 to 6 months

Number of awards anticipated: 10 awards (dependent on amount)

Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $1000 to a maximum of $5000

Total anticipated funding: $34,000

Type of Funding: Fiscal Year 2019 Public Diplomacy Funding

Anticipated program start date: June 2019

This
notice is subject to availability of funding.

Funding
Instrument Type: Grant or Fixed Amount Award.

Program
Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed by September
30, 2020 or prior.

C.
ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION

1. Eligible Applicants

The Public Affairs Section encourages applications
from Mauritania only and/or includes all that apply:

• Registered not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil
society/non-governmental organizations with programming experience

• Non-profit or governmental educational institutions

• Entrepreneurial institutions

For-profit or commercial entities are not eligible
to apply.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

The recipient can share the Cost.

3. Other Eligibility Requirements

Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal
per organization. If more than one proposal is submitted from an organization,
all proposals from that institution will be considered ineligible for funding.

In order to be eligible to receive an award, all
organizations must have a 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 DUNS number or be registered in SAM.gov.

D.
APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

1. Address to Request Application Package

Application forms required below are attached at
(SF424 is attached).

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 is in English language

• All budgets are in U.S. dollars

• All pages are numbered

• All Microsoft Word documents are single-spaced, 12 point Times New Roman
font.

The following documents are required:

1. Mandatory application forms

• SF-424 (Application
for Federal Assistance – organizations) or SF-424-I (Application for Federal
Assistance –individuals) attached

• SF424A (Budget
Information for Non-Construction programs) attached

• SF424B (Assurances
for Non-Construction programs) attached

2. Summary Coversheet: 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 (10
pages maximum): 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

• Program
Goals and Objectives: The “goals” describe what the program
is intended to achieve. What aspect of the relationship between the U.S. and
Mauritania will be improved? The “objectives” refer to the intermediate
accomplishments on the way to the goals. These should be achievable and
measurable.

• Program
Activities: Describe the program activities and how they will
help achieve the objectives.

• Program
Methods and Design: A description of how the program is
expected to work to solve the stated problem and achieve the goal.

• Proposed
Program Schedule: 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.

5.
Attachments:

• 1-page CV or resume of key personnel who are proposed for the program

• Official permission letters, if required for program activities

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

Required
Registrations:

All organizations applying for grants (except individuals) must obtain these
registrations. All are free of charge:

• Unique Identifier Number 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/displayHomePage.do;jsessionid=81407B1F03F2BDB123DD47D19158B75F.
http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform

NCAGE application: Application page here
https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/scage/CageList.aspx

Instructions for the NCAGE application process:

https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/Docs/US%20Instructions%20for%20NSPA%20NCAGE.pdf

For help from within the U.S., call 1-888-227-2423

For 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 by logging onto: https://www.sam.gov. SAM registration must be
renewed annually.

4. Submission Dates and Times

Applications may be submitted for consideration at any time
before the closing date of Sunday, April 14,
2019 at midnight GMT/UTC. No applications will be
accepted after that date.

5. Funding Restrictions

PD award funds cannot be used for construction and
vehicle purchases, etc.

6. Other Submission Requirements

All application materials must be submitted to the
Embassy reception with the following address:

Public Diplomacy Section

US Embassy Nouakchott, Mauritania

Or by email to PASNouakchott@state.gov

Office
Hours: Monday through Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Friday 8:00 a.m. to 12:00
p.m.

E.
APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

1. Criteria

Each application will be evaluated and rated on the basis of the evaluation
criteria outlined below. The criteria listed are closely related and are
considered as a whole in judging the overall quality of an application.

List here the review criteria, with or without weighting or numerical scoring –
examples include :

Organizational capacity and record on previous grants: The organization has
expertise in its stated field and PAS is confident of its ability to undertake
the program. This includes a financial management system and a bank account.

Quality
and Feasibility of the Program Idea: The program idea is well
developed, with detail about how program activities will be carried out. The
proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline. (25 points)

Goals and
objectives: Goals and objectives are clearly stated and
program approach is likely to provide maximum impact in achieving the proposed
results. (15 points)

Embassy
priorities: Applicant has clearly described how stated goals
are related to and support U.S. Embassy Nouakchott’s priority areas or target
audiences. (15 points)

Budget:
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. (15
points)

Monitoring
and evaluation plan: Applicant demonstrates it is able to
measure program success against key indicators and provide 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.
(15 points)

Sustainability:
Program activities will continue to have positive impact after the end of the
program. (15 points)

2.
Review and Selection Process

A Grants Review Committee will evaluate all eligible applications.

3.
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.

4.
Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates

Successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified by May 15, 2019 or
earlier.

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: Payments will be made in at least two installments, as needed
to carry out the program activities.

Organizations
whose applications will not be funded will also be notified via email.

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, Certifications and Assurances, and the Department of
State Standard Terms and Conditions, all of which are available at:
https://www.state.gov/m/a/ope/index.htm.

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.

G.
FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS

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

Note: We do not provide any pre-consultation for application related questions
that are addressed in the NOFO. Once an application has been submitted, State
Department officials and staff — both in the Department and at embassies
overseas — may not discuss this competition with applicants until the entire
proposal review process is completed.

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The U.S. Embassy Nouakchott Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program. This is an Annual Program Statement, outlining our funding priorities, the strategic themes we focus on, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding.  Please carefully follow all instructions below.

Purpose of Small Grants: PAS Nouakchott invites proposals for programs that strengthen cultural ties between the U.S. and Mauritania through cultural and exchange programming that highlights shared values and promotes bilateral cooperation. All programs must include an American cultural element, or connection with American expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives.

Examples of PAS Small Grants Program programs include, but are not limited to:

• Academic and professional lectures, seminars and speaker programs;

• Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances and exhibitions; and

• Cultural heritage conservation and preservation programs.

Priority Program Areas:

Proposals should be related to one or more of the following U.S. Embassy priority program areas:

1. Increased Opportunity and Reduced Poverty

Example projects under this program area could focus on: 

• Entrepreneurship

• Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM) 

• Environmental protection 

2. Promoting an Inclusive Society

Example projects under this program area could focus on: 

• Promoting social inclusion 

• Reducing discrimination in all its forms 

• Advocacy for inclusive national identity 

• Cross-Cultural dialogue and understanding 

• Human rights

• Cultural and ethnic diversity 

Participants and Audiences:

The target audiences should be youth, women, and culturally/ethnically diverse communities. 

The following types of programs are not eligible for funding: 

• Programs relating to partisan political activity;

• Charitable or development activities;

• Construction programs;

• 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; or

• Programs that duplicate existing programs.

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Length of performance period: 1 to 6 months 

Number of awards anticipated: 10 awards (dependent on amount)

Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $1000 to a maximum of $5000

Total anticipated funding: $34,000

Type of Funding:  Fiscal Year 2019 Public Diplomacy Funding

Anticipated program start date:  June 2019 

This notice is subject to availability of funding.

Funding Instrument Type:  Grant or Fixed Amount Award.

Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed by September 30, 2020 or prior.  

C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION

1. Eligible Applicants

lic Affairs Section encourages applications from Mauritania only and/or includes all that apply:

• Registered not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations with programming experience

• Non-profit or governmental educational institutions

• Entrepreneurial institutions

For-profit or commercial entities are not eligible to apply.  

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

The recipient can share the Cost.

3. Other Eligibility Requirements

Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization. If more than one proposal is submitted from an organization, all proposals from that institution will be considered ineligible for funding.

In order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a 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 DUNS number or be registered in SAM.gov.

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

1. Address to Request Application Package

Application forms required below are attached at (SF424 is attached).

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 is in English language 

• All budgets are in U.S. dollars 

• All pages are numbered

• All Microsoft Word documents are single-spaced, 12 point Times New Roman font.

The following documents are required:

1. Mandatory application forms

• SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance – organizations) or SF-424-I (Application for Federal Assistance –individuals) attached

• SF424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs) attached

• SF424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs) attached

2. Summary Coversheet: 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 (10 pages maximum): 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

• Program Goals and Objectives:  The “goals” describe what the program is intended to achieve.  What aspect of the relationship between the U.S. and Mauritania will be improved? The “objectives” refer to the intermediate accomplishments on the way to the goals. These should be achievable and measurable.

• Program Activities: Describe the program activities and how they will help achieve the objectives. 

• Program Methods and Design: A description of how the program is expected to work to solve the stated problem and achieve the goal. 

• Proposed Program Schedule:  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.  

5.  Attachments:

• 1-page CV or resume of key personnel who are proposed for the program

• Official permission letters, if required for program activities

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

Required Registrations:

All organizations applying for grants (except individuals) must obtain these registrations.  All are free of charge:

• Unique Identifier Number 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) 

Step 2: After receiving the NCAGE Code, proceed to register in SAM by logging onto: https://www.sam.gov.  SAM registration must be renewed annually.

3. Submission Dates and Times

Applications may be submitted for consideration at any time before the closing date of Sunday, April 14, 2019 at midnight GMT/UTC.  No applications will be accepted after that date. 

4. Funding Restrictions

PD award funds cannot be used for construction and vehicle purchases, etc.

5. Other Submission Requirements

All application materials must be submitted to the Embassy reception with the following address:

Public Diplomacy Section

US Embassy Nouakchott, Mauritania

Or by email to PASNouakchott@state.gov 

Office Hours: Monday through Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Friday 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 

E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

1. Criteria

Each application will be evaluated and rated on the basis of the evaluation criteria outlined below. The criteria listed are closely related and are considered as a whole in judging the overall quality of an application. 

List here the review criteria, with or without weighting or numerical scoring – examples include :  

Organizational capacity and record on previous grants: The organization has expertise in its stated field and PAS is confident of its ability to undertake the program.  This includes a financial management system and a bank account.

Quality and Feasibility of the Program Idea: The program idea is well developed, with detail about how program activities will be carried out. The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline. (25 points)

Goals and objectives: Goals and objectives are clearly stated and program approach is likely to provide maximum impact in achieving the proposed results. (15 points)

Embassy priorities: Applicant has clearly described how stated goals are related to and support U.S. Embassy Nouakchott’s priority areas or target audiences. (15 points)

Budget: 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. (15 points)

Monitoring and evaluation plan: Applicant demonstrates it is able to measure program success against key indicators and provide 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. (15 points)

Sustainability: Program activities will continue to have positive impact after the end of the program. (15 points)

2. Review and Selection Process

A Grants Review Committee will evaluate all eligible applications.

3. 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.

4. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates 

Successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified by May 15, 2019 or earlier.  

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: Payments will be made in at least two installments, as needed to carry out the program activities.  

Organizations whose applications will not be funded will also be notified via email.

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, Certifications and Assurances, and the Department of State Standard Terms and Conditions, all of which are available at:  https://www.state.gov/m/a/ope/index.htm.

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.   

G.  FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS

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

Note:  We do not provide any pre-consultation for application related questions that are addressed in the NOFO. Once an application has been submitted, State Department officials and staff — both in the Department and at embassies overseas — may not discuss this competition with applicants until the entire proposal review process is completed.

H.  OTHER INFORMATION 

Guidelines for Budget Justification

Personnel: 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. 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.

Suplies: 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. 

This notice is subject to availability of funding. PAS reserves the right to consider project proposals received through this APS at a later time, if funding is not immediately available during this fiscal year.

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The U.S. Embassy Nouakchott Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program. This is an Annual Program Statement, outlining our funding priorities, the strategic themes we focus on, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding. Please carefully follow all instructions below.

Purpose of Small Grants: PAS Nouakchott invites proposals for programs that strengthen cultural ties between the U.S. and Mauritania through cultural and exchange programming that highlights shared values and promotes bilateral cooperation. All programs must include an American cultural element, or connection with American expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives.

Examples of PAS Small Grants Program programs include, but are not limited to:
• Academic and professional lectures, seminars and speaker programs;
• Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances and exhibitions; and
• Cultural heritage conservation and preservation programs.

Priority Program Areas:
Proposals should be related to one or more of the following U.S. Embassy priority program areas:

1. Increased Opportunity and Reduced Poverty

Example projects under this program area could focus on:
• Entrepreneurship
• Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM)
• Environmental protection

2. Promoting an Inclusive Society
Example projects under this program area could focus on:
• Promoting social inclusion
• Reducing discrimination in all its forms
• Advocacy for inclusive national identity
• Cross-Cultural dialogue and understanding
• Human rights
• Cultural and ethnic diversity

Participants and Audiences:

The target audiences should be youth, women, and culturally/ethnically diverse communities.

The following types of programs are not eligible for funding:
• Programs relating to partisan political activity;
• Charitable or development activities;
• Construction programs;
• 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; or
• Programs that duplicate existing programs.

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Length of performance period: 1 to 6 months
Number of awards anticipated: 10 awards (dependent on amount)
Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $1000 to a maximum of $5000
Total anticipated funding: $34,000
Type of Funding: Fiscal Year 2019 Public Diplomacy Funding
Anticipated program start date: June 2019

This notice is subject to availability of funding.

Funding Instrument Type: Grant or Fixed Amount Award.

Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed by September 30, 2020 or prior.

C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION

1. Eligible Applicants

The Public Affairs Section encourages applications from Mauritania only and/or includes all that apply:
• Registered not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations with programming experience
• Non-profit or governmental educational institutions
• Entrepreneurial institutions

For-profit or commercial entities are not eligible to apply.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

The recipient can share the Cost.

3. Other Eligibility Requirements

Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization. If more than one proposal is submitted from an organization, all proposals from that institution will be considered ineligible for funding.

In order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a 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 DUNS number or be registered in SAM.gov.

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

1. Address to Request Application Package

Application forms required below are attached at (SF424 is attached).

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 is in English language
• All budgets are in U.S. dollars
• All pages are numbered
• All Microsoft Word documents are single-spaced, 12 point Times New Roman font.

The following documents are required:

1. Mandatory application forms
• SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance – organizations) or SF-424-I (Application for Federal Assistance –individuals) attached
• SF424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs) attached
• SF424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs) attached

2. Summary Coversheet: 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 (10 pages maximum): 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
• Program Goals and Objectives: The “goals” describe what the program is intended to achieve. What aspect of the relationship between the U.S. and Mauritania will be improved? The “objectives” refer to the intermediate accomplishments on the way to the goals. These should be achievable and measurable.
• Program Activities: Describe the program activities and how they will help achieve the objectives.
• Program Methods and Design: A description of how the program is expected to work to solve the stated problem and achieve the goal.
• Proposed Program Schedule: 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.

5. Attachments:
• 1-page CV or resume of key personnel who are proposed for the program
• Official permission letters, if required for program activities

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

Required Registrations:
All organizations applying for grants (except individuals) must obtain these registrations. All are free of charge:
• Unique Identifier Number 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/displayHomePage.do;jsessionid=81407B1F03F2BDB123DD47D19158B75F. http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform

NCAGE application: Application page here https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/scage/CageList.aspx
Instructions for the NCAGE application process:
https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/Docs/US%20Instructions%20for%20NSPA%20NCAGE.pdf

For help from within the U.S., call 1-888-227-2423
For 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 by logging onto: https://www.sam.gov. SAM registration must be renewed annually.

4. Submission Dates and Times

Applications may be submitted for consideration at any time before the closing date of Sunday, April 14, 2019 at midnight GMT/UTC. No applications will be accepted after that date.

5. Funding Restrictions

PD award funds cannot be used for construction and vehicle purchases, etc.

6. Other Submission Requirements

All application materials must be submitted to the Embassy reception with the following address:

Public Diplomacy Section
US Embassy Nouakchott, Mauritania

Or by email to PASNouakchott@state.gov

Office Hours: Monday through Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Friday 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION
1. Criteria
Each application will be evaluated and rated on the basis of the evaluation criteria outlined below. The criteria listed are closely related and are considered as a whole in judging the overall quality of an application.
List here the review criteria, with or without weighting or numerical scoring – examples include :
Organizational capacity and record on previous grants: The organization has expertise in its stated field and PAS is confident of its ability to undertake the program. This includes a financial management system and a bank account.
Quality and Feasibility of the Program Idea: The program idea is well developed, with detail about how program activities will be carried out. The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline. (25 points)
Goals and objectives: Goals and objectives are clearly stated and program approach is likely to provide maximum impact in achieving the proposed results. (15 points)
Embassy priorities: Applicant has clearly described how stated goals are related to and support U.S. Embassy Nouakchott’s priority areas or target audiences. (15 points)
Budget: 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. (15 points)
Monitoring and evaluation plan: Applicant demonstrates it is able to measure program success against key indicators and provide 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. (15 points)
Sustainability: Program activities will continue to have positive impact after the end of the program. (15 points)

2. Review and Selection Process
A Grants Review Committee will evaluate all eligible applications.

3. 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.

4. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates
Successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified by May 15, 2019 or earlier.

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: Payments will be made in at least two installments, as needed to carry out the program activities.
Organizations whose applications will not be funded will also be notified via email.

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, Certifications and Assurances, and the Department of State Standard Terms and Conditions, all of which are available at: https://www.state.gov/m/a/ope/index.htm.
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.

G. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS
If you have any questions about the grant application process, please contact PAS at: PASNouakchott@state.gov.
Note: We do not provide any pre-consultation for application related questions that are addressed in the NOFO. Once an application has been submitted, State Department officials and staff — both in the Department and at embassies overseas — may not discuss this competition with applicants until the entire proposal review process is completed.

H. OTHER INFORMATION
Guidelines for Budget Justification
Personnel: 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. 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.