Grant Programs

Public Diplomacy Small Grant Opportunities (Closed)

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
U.S. EMBASSY NAMIBIA PUBLIC AFFAIRS SECTION
Notice of Funding Opportunity

Funding Opportunity Title: U.S. Embassy Windhoek PAS Annual Program Statement
Funding Opportunity Number: PAS-Windhoek-FY2023-04/3
Deadline for Applications: Closed
CFDA Number: 19.040 – Public Diplomacy Programs
19.022 – Educational and Cultural Affairs Programs
19.441 – American Spaces
Maximum for Each Award: $25,000, larger amounts are possible pending availability of funding.

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The U.S. Embassy in Namibia’s Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy 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.

Purpose of Grants: The Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Embassy in Windhoek invites proposals for programs that strengthen ties between the United States and Namibia through cultural, academic, and exchange programming that promotes bilateral cooperation and shared values. All proposals should include an American element, such as a connection with American experts, organizations, or institutions.

Examples of Grants Programs include, but are not limited to:

Academic and professional lectures, seminars, and speaker programs;
Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances and exhibitions;
Sports exchange programs;
Heath and conservation programs that include engagement with public audiences;
Cultural heritage conservation and preservation programs;
Professional and academic exchanges and programs;
Programs developed by an alumnus/a of a U.S.-sponsored or supported educational or professional exchange program;
Municipal and regional libraries or councils that host an American Space or would like to conduct outreach programs related to the United States;
American Spaces youth entrepreneurship training;
Programs that engage alumni of U.S. State Department exchange programs in any of the activities above.

Priority Program Areas:
This funding opportunity seeks to promote programs in the following thematic areas:

Directly support U.S. treaty or bilateral agreement obligations.
Directly support U.S. policies, strategies, and objectives in a country as stated in the Integrated Country Strategy (ICS). ICS is the four-year strategy that articulates the U.S. priorities in a given country and is led by the Chief of Mission. These priorities are to Empower an Inclusive, Rules-Based Democracy, Catalyze a Resilient, Sustainable Economy, and Cultivate Equitable Access to Service to help Unleash Namibia’s Human Resources.
Support disaster risk reduction for cultural heritage in disaster-prone areas, or post-disaster cultural heritage recovery.
Complement the Cultural Heritage Center in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) or Public Diplomacy programs.
Support American Spaces programming and objectives.

Participants and Audiences:
Public Diplomacy Grant Programs should have as primary participants and audience the Namibian public, to include: the public in a specific community; students, learners, educators, and academics; education institutions; civil society organizations; arts and culture organizations and institutions.

The following types of programs are not eligible for funding:

Any program submitted by for-profit companies (for-profit companies may not be funded by Public Diplomacy grants);
Programs designed primarily to generate income;
Businesses or new business ideas;
Programs relating to partisan political activity;
Charitable activities;
Construction programs;
Programs that support specific religious activities;
Fund-raising campaigns;
Lobbying for specific legislation or programs.

Authorizing legislation, type, and year of funding:
Funding authority rests in the Smith-Mundt Act of 1948 and Fulbright-Hays Act. The sources of funding are Public Diplomacy Funds, ECA Funds and American Spaces Support Funds.

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Length of performance period: 1 month to 12 months
Number of awards anticipated: dependent on amounts and funding availability
Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $25,000 (larger amounts are possible pending availability of funding)
Total available funding anticipated: $100,000 USD, and additional amounts pending availability of funding
Type of Funding: Fiscal Year 2023 Public Diplomacy Funds, American Spaces Support Funds, Educational and Cultural Affairs Funds
Anticipated programs start date: April- September 2023

This notice is subject to availability of funding.

Funding Instrument Type: Grant, Fixed Amount Award, or Cooperative Agreement.

Program Performance Period: Proposed programs that are completed in 12 months or less will be given preference.

C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION

1. Eligible Applicants

The Public Diplomacy Section encourages applications from:

Registered not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations with programming experience;
Individuals;
Non-profit or governmental educational institutions;
American entities applying should demonstrate expertise in the Namibian context

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

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

Cost sharing is not required.

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

Application forms required below are available at www.grants.gov. All application materials must be submitted by email to PublicAffairsWindhoek@state.gov.

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

Content of Application
Please ensure:

The proposal clearly addresses the goals and objectives of this funding opportunity;
All documents are in English;
All budgets are in U.S. dollars;
All pages are numbered.

The following documents are required:

1. Mandatory application forms
SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance – organizations) at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html or SF-424-I (Application for Federal Assistance –individuals) at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-individual-family.html

SF424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs) at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html

SF424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs) at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html

2. Summary Coversheet: Cover sheet stating the applicant’s name and organization, proposal date, program title, program period proposed start and end date, and brief purpose of the program.

3. Proposal (Five 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 Namibia 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 timeframe of the grant, how will the activities be monitored to ensure they are happening in a timely manner, and how will the program be evaluated to make sure it is meeting the goals of the grant?
Future Funding or Sustainability Applicant’s plan for continuing the program beyond the grant period, or the availability of other resources, if applicable.

4. Budget Justification Narrative: After filling out the SF-424A Budget (above), use a separate sheet of paper to describe each of the budget expenses in detail. See section H. Other Information: Guidelines for Budget Submissions below for further information.

Required Registrations:

Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM). All prime organizations, whether based in the United States or in another country, must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration with the SAM.gov before submitting an application. DRL may not review applications from or make awards to applicants that have not completed all applicable UEI and SAM.gov requirements. A UEI is one of the data elements mandated by Public Law 109-282, the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA), for all Federal awards.
Note: As of April 2022, a DUNS number is no longer required for federal assistance Applications.

The 2 CFR 200 requires that sub-grantees obtain a UEI number. Please note the UEI for sub-grantees is not required at the time of application but will be required before the award is processed and/or directed to a sub-grantee.
Note: The process of obtaining or renewing a SAM.gov registration may take anywhere from 4-8 weeks. Please begin your registration as early as possible.

Organizations based in the United States or that pay employees within the United States will need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), a Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code, and a UEI number prior to registering in SAM.gov.
Organizations based outside of the United States and that do not pay employees within the United States do not need an EIN from the IRS, but do need a UEI number prior to registering in SAM.gov. Please note that as of December 2022, organizations based outside of the United States that do not intend to apply for U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) awards are no longer required to have a NATO CAGE (NCAGE) code to apply for non-DoD foreign assistance funding opportunities. If an applicant organization is mid-registration and wishes to remove an NCAGE code from their sam.gov registration, the applicant should submit a help desk ticket (“incident”) with the Federal Service Desk (FSD) online at www.fsd.gov to seek guidance on how to do so.

All prime organizations must also continue to maintain active SAM.gov registration with current information at all times during which they have an active Federal award or application under consideration by a Federal award agency. SAM.gov requires all entities to renew their registration once a year in order to maintain an active registration status in SAM. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure it has an active registration in SAM.gov and to maintain that active registration. If an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements at the time of application, the applicant may be deemed technically ineligible to receive an award and use that determination as a basis for making an award to another applicant.
Please refer to 2 CFR 25.200 for additional information.

Note: SAM.gov is not the same as SAMS Domestic. It is free of charge to register in both systems, but the registration processes are different.
Information is included on the SAM.gov website to help international re gistrationsNavigate to www.SAM.gov, click “HELP” in the top navigation bar, then click, “Explore” and “New to SAM.gov?” for general information. Please note, guidance on SAM.gov and the guidance on GSA’s website is being updated to reflect the change in NCAGE requirement.Applicants should review the website frequently for the most up-to-date guidance.

Exemptions
An exemption from these requirements may be permitted on a case-by-case basis if:

An applicant’s identity must be protected due to potential endangerment of their mission, their organization’s status, their employees, or individuals being served by the applicant.
For an applicant, if the Federal awarding agency makes a determination that there are exigent circumstances that prohibit the applicant from receiving a unique entity identifier and completing SAM registration prior to receiving a Federal award. In these instances, Federal awarding agencies must require the recipient to obtain a unique entity identifier and complete SAM registration within 30 days of the Federal award date.

Organizations requesting exemption from UEI or SAM.gov requirements must email the point of contact listed in the NOFO at least two weeks prior to the deadline in the NOFO providing a justification of their request. Approval for a SAM.gov exemption must come from the warranted Grants Officer before the application can be deemed eligible for review.

Note: As of December 2022, organizations based outside of the United States that do not intend to apply for U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) awards are no longer required to have a NATO CAGE (NCAGE) code to apply for non-DoD foreign assistance funding opportunities.

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

www.SAM.gov registration
Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)

Step 1: Register in SAM by logging onto: https://www.sam.gov. SAM registration must be renewed annually.

Step 2: Retrieve Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number also from https://www.sam.gov.

To access SAM.gov an organization is required to have a Login.gov account. Organization can create an account at https://login.gov/.

Since April 2022, the UEI are assigned when an organization registers or renews its registration in SAM.gov at www.SAM.gov. Organizations should renew their registration once a year in order to maintain an active registration status in SAM.gov. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure it has an active SAM registration

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

www.SAM.gov registration
Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)

Step 1: Register in SAM by logging onto: https://www.sam.gov. SAM registration must be renewed annually.

Step 2: Retrieve Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number also from https://www.sam.gov.

To access SAM.gov an organization is required to have a Login.gov account. Organization can create an account at https://login.gov/.

www.sam.gov requires all entities to renew their registration once a year in order to maintain an active registration status in SAM.gov. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure it has an active registration in SAM.gov.

If an organization plans to issue a sub-contract or sub-award, those sub-awardees must also have a unique entity identifier (UEI number). Those entities can register for a UEI only at SAM.gov.

If an organization does not have an active registration in SAM.gov prior to submitting an application, the application will be deemed ineligible. All organizations applying for grants (except individuals) must obtain these registrations, the latter are free of charge.

Note: As of April 2022, a DUNS number is no longer required.

1. Submission Dates and Times

The Public Diplomacy Section will accept proposals throughout the year and will review proposals according to the following schedule:

Proposals received between January 1 and March 31 will have responses by the end of April 2023.
Proposals received between April 1 and June 30 will have responses by the end of July 2023.
Proposals received between July 1 and September 30 will be reviewed on an ad hoc basis subject to availability of funds.

2. Funding Restrictions

Award funds cannot be used for construction or vehicle purchases.

3. Other Submission Requirements

All application materials must be submitted by email to WindhoekPublicDiplomacy@state.gov

E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

1. Criteria

Each application will be evaluated and rated based on 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.

American Content: How will the project promote a better understanding of the United States? – 10 points

Organizational capacity and record on previous grants: The organization has expertise in its stated field and the Public Diplomacy Section is confident of its ability to undertake the program. This includes a financial management system and a bank account. – 20 points: The organization has expertise in its stated field and has the internal controls in place to manage federal funds. This includes a financial management system and a bank account.

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

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 the U.S. Embassy priority areas or target audiences. – 10 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. – 10 points: The budget justification is detailed. Costs are reasonable in relation to the proposed activities and anticipated results. The budget is realistic, accounting for all necessary expenses to achieve proposed activities.

Monitoring and evaluation plan: 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: Applicant demonstrates it is able to measure program success against key indicators and provides milestones to indicate progress toward goals outlined in the proposal. The program includes output and outcome indicators and shows how and when those will be measured.

Sustainability: Program activities will continue to have positive impact after the end of the program. – 10 points: Program activities will continue to have positive impact after the end of the program.

2. Review and Selection Process

A Grants Review Committee will evaluate all eligible applications.

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 call for grant applications 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.

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/about-us-office-of-the-procurement-executive/. Note the U.S. flag branding and marking requirements in the Standard Terms and Conditions.

3. Reporting

Reporting Requirements: Recipients will be required to submit financial reports and program reports. The award document will specify how often these reports must be submitted.

G. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS
If you have any questions about the grant application process, please contact PDS at: PublicAffairsWindhoek@state.gov

Note: We do not provide any pre-consultation for application related questions. 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 cost 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.

Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Program (Closing Date: March 31, 2024)

Please review the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) (PDF 199 KB) and Guidelines (PDF 192 KB) before filling out the Application Form (PDF 302 KB) (WORD 65 KB)

What is the Self-Help Program?

The Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Program allows the U.S. Embassy to help communities improve their basic economic or social conditions. The program is designed to support small-scale activities that benefit an entire community. The focus will be on projects that assist disadvantaged or marginalized groups. The size of the grants usually ranges from approximately N$60,000 to N$250,000. There is no minimum amount for funding. The U.S. Embassy makes every effort to fund qualified projects from across Namibia’s 14 regions. Applications are received throughout the year, but applications must be received by March 31, 2024 for each annual funding cycle. Funding decisions are usually made around July. Funding for selected projects is usually available in September.

What kinds of projects does Self-Help support?

Some of our past Self-Help projects have included training women, youth, and school dropouts to be computer literate, and purchasing solar powered water pumps to make fresh potable water available to villagers. We have done multiple garden projects, where beneficiaries have been able to generate income to support themselves and improve their livelihoods. We have funded projects that assist people with disabilities, projects teaching technical skills such as understanding and installing small-scale solar technology.

The U.S. Embassy will prioritize funding projects in the following sectors for disadvantaged or marginalized groups:

Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation Measures: Projects could include physical upgrades such as predator-resistance kraals or electric fencing.
Renewable Energy: Projects could include items such as solar panels or small wind turbines.
Food Security: Projects could include gardens or hydroponics projects.

Projects should:

Be initiated by the community.
Quickly improve basic economic or social conditions in the local community.
Benefit the highest possible number of people.
Not require additional funding assistance at the end of one year.
Involve a significant community contribution in cash, labor, or materials.
Involve community members who can operate and maintain the project on their own after Self-Help assistance ends.
Whenever possible, projects should contribute to income-generating or self-sustaining activities, but the emphasis should be on the community benefit.

What is not funded?

Projects for the benefit of a private or for-profit company.
Projects from government institutions and close corporations.
Projects that already benefit from technical assistance programs.
Activities that harm the environment, including the use of pesticides/herbicides.
Religious, military, or law enforcement (police) activities.
Surveillance equipment.
Activities that benefit any employee of the U.S. Government.
Activities that might contribute to the violation of workers’ rights.
Refugee or human rights assistance.
Revolving loan funds.
The grants program assists only small projects. The program cannot fund projects that are large in scope, budget, or complexity.
Government institutions are ineligible to apply.
The grants program does not support one-time events or individual sponsorships or bursaries.
The grants program cannot contribute to school development funds or revolving loan funds.
The grants program does not support recreational activities.
The grants program may not fund projects that have already received U.S. government funding.
The grant does not pay for vehicles.

Some examples of unacceptable applications include:

Remodeling or renovating an existing facility that is in disrepair because of neglect or lack of money (purchasing paint to repaint a school).
Activities with unmitigated and negative environmental consequences, such as dams, roads through relatively pristine forest lands; activities that contribute to commercial deforestation or conversion of land-use from forest to livestock; actions that are likely to jeopardize, threaten, or endanger species and/or their habitat, and actions that are likely to degrade protected areas significantly, such as introduction of exotic plants or animals.
Sports equipment or uniforms for a national sports team.
Musical instruments or uniforms for a national orchestra or dance company.
Salaries
Ongoing needs for education/training.
Office supplies such as pencils, paper, forms and folders.

How do I apply for a small grant?

The U.S. Embassy accepts Self-Help grant applications throughout the year, but applications must be received by March 31, 2024 for each annual funding cycle. Funding decisions are usually made around July. Funding for selected projects is usually available in September.

To apply, simply complete the application form (PDF 312 KB) (WORD 65 KB) and e-mail it to whkselfhelp@state.gov. You can also send your application by post or drop it off at the U.S. Embassy, Private Bag 12029/#14 Lossen Street, Ausspannplatz, Windhoek.

Please submit your application only once by email or through mail. For projects to be considered for funding, applicants must complete the entire application form and submit all supporting documents.

For any other questions, please contact the Embassy’s Self-Help at whkselfhelp@state.gov.

Academy of Women Entrepreneurs 2024 (Closing Date: December 4, 2023)

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
U.S. EMBASSY WINDHOEK/PUBLIC AFFAIRS SECTION
Notice of Funding Opportunity

Funding Opportunity Title: Academy of Women Entrepreneurs 2024
Funding Opportunity Number: AF-WHK-FY24-01
Deadline for Applications: December 4, 2023
Assistance Listing Number: 19.022
Total Amount Available: $40,000 (pending funding availability)

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION.

The U.S. Embassy Namibia under the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a new cohort of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE). The Public Diplomacy Section invites proposals from non-profit organizations, civil society organizations, and U.S. government alumni organizations to design and implement an entrepreneurship program that equips women entrepreneurs with skills and knowledge to grow their businesses and adapt to adverse economic situations while growing a local network of women-led businesses. The intended program should empower women entrepreneurs to realize their full economic potential.

Participants of the AWE program will take part in facilitated in-person and virtual sessions with established Namibian and American women entrepreneurs, alumni of U.S.-funded exchange programs, and other experts from different fields that enrich the AWE experience. Applicants must include the online interactive DreamBuilder course as part of the proposal. The DreamBuilder curriculum teaches the skills and knowledge needed to start and grow a business. Additionally, proposals should provide a detailed program and timelines for AWE participants.

The program may be held in several locations running cohorts of up to 30 participants and must have a strong American component.

Program Objectives:

Increase participants understanding of business planning, and scaling up operations
Build a network of female entrepreneurs that is committed to supporting and promoting relationships that help grow businesses and drive local partnerships, an
Equip participants with skills and knowledge to build sustainable businesses.

Proposals submitted should clearly address program implementation showing the proposed activities and suggested speakers. Applicants should give a detailed recruitment strategy for the target population, clearly specifying how the Embassy would be involved. The proposal should include ideas for follow-up activities after program implementation to assess the impact of the program. Proposals with sustainability and/or cost sharing built in are preferred.

Applicant should submit a proposal with sufficient travel budget funds if beneficiaries are traveling to a workshop and a data plan if they are to participate in virtual sessions. Budget should also include costs for any ceremonies or enrichment activities.

Participants and Audiences:

The AWE program targets current or future women business owners in Namibia. AWE participants should commit to complete the program, have proven computer skills, and have access to the internet or a reliable data connection.

Applicants are encouraged to develop programs for underrepresented populations, niche business sectors, or areas of potential growth.

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Length of performance period: 8 to 12 months
Number of awards anticipated: One awards (dependent on amounts)
Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $30,000 to a maximum of $40,000
Total available funding: $40,000
Type of Funding: Fulbright-Hays Act
Anticipated program start date: March 1, 2024

This notice is subject to availability of funding.

Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative agreements

The Public Diplomacy Section will be actively involved in the award implementation. U.S. Embassy staff will be involved in the following:

Providing standardized branding materials and guidelines for AWE promotional content.
Participate in AWE promotional activities on U.S. Embassy Namibia social media platforms.
Approve participants, facilitator, and expert speakers’ recruitment strategy.
Assist the awardee in identifying and contacting alumni of U.S. government exchange programs and other networks for potential speakers and trainers.
Review and approve suggested program speaker schedule, topics, and scenarios.
Collaborating with the awardee to assess the impact of the program through designing follow- up activity.
Approve social media content and any other outreach promotional material to promote the AWE program to wider audiences.

Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 12 or less.

C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION

1. Eligible Applicants

The following organizations are eligible to apply:

Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations
Public and private educational institutions
Public International Organizations and Governmental institutions (U.S. organizations should partner with a local organization or expert.)

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

No cost-sharing required

3. Other Eligibility Requirements

In order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number issued via www.SAM.gov as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov. Please see Section D.3 for more information. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov.

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.

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

Address to Request Application Package

Application forms required below are available at www.grants.gov

Content and Form of Application Submission

Please follow all instructions below carefully. Proposals that do not meet the requirements of this announcement or fail to comply with the stated requirements will be ineligible.

Content of Application

Please ensure:

The proposal clearly addresses the goals and objectives of this funding opportunity
All documents are in English
All budgets are in U.S. dollars
All pages are numbered
All documents are formatted to 8 ½ x 11 paper, and
All Microsoft Word documents are single-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font, with a minimum of 1-inch margins.

The following documents are required:

Mandatory application forms

SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance – organizations)at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html or SF-424-I (Application for Federal Assistance –individuals) at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-individual-family.html
SF-424A(Budget Information for Non-Construction programs) at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html
SF-424B(Assurances for Non-Construction programs) at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-individual-family.html (note: the SF-424B is only required for individuals and for organizations not registered in SAM.gov)

Summary Page: Cover sheet stating the applicant’s name and organization, proposal date, program title, program period proposed start and end date, and brief purpose of the program.

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. 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. Include a logic model as appropriate.
Proposed Program Schedule and Timeline: The proposed timeline for the program activities. Include the dates, times, and locations of planned activities and events.
Key Personnel: Names, titles, roles and experience/qualifications of key personnel involved in the program. What proportion of their time will be used in support of this program?
Program Partners: List the names and type of involvement of key partner organizations and sub-awardees.
Program Monitoring and Evaluation Plan: This is an important part of successful grants. Throughout the timeframe 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.

Budget Justification Narrative: After filling out the SF-424A Budget (above), use a separate sheet of paper to describe each of the budget expenses in detail. See section H. Other Information: Guidelines for Budget Submissions below for further information.

Attachments:

1-page CV or resume of key personnel who are proposed for the program
Letters of support from program partners describing the roles and responsibilities of each partner
If your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, your latest NICRA should be included as a PDF file.
Official permission letters, if required for program activities

Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov) (NOTE: This section is required and not optional, except for NOFOs targeting applications from individuals instead of organizations)

Required Registrations:

All organizations, whether based in the United States or in another country, must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration with the SAM.gov. A UEI is one of the data elements mandated by Public Law 109-282, the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA), for all Federal awards.

Note: As of April 2022, a DUNS number is no longer required for federal assistance applications.

The 2 CFR 200 requires that sub-grantees obtain a UEI number. Please note the UEI for sub-grantees is not required at the time of application but will be required before an award is processed and/or directed to a sub-grantee.

Note: The process of obtaining or renewing a SAM.gov registration may take anywhere from 4-8 weeks. Please begin your registration as early as possible.

Organizations based in the United States or that pay employees within the United States will need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and a UEI number prior to registering in SAM.gov.
Organizations based outside of the United States and that do not pay employees within the United States do not need an EIN from the IRS but do need a UEI number prior to registering in SAM.gov.
Please note that as of November 2022 and February 2022 respectively, organizations based outside of the United States that do not intend to apply for U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) awards are no longer required to have a NATO Commercial and Government Entity (NCAGE) code or CAGE code to apply for non-DoD foreign assistance funding opportunities. If an applicant organization is mid-registration and wishes to remove a CAGE or NCAGE code from their SAM.gov registration, the applicant should submit a help desk ticket (“incident”) with the Federal Service Desk (FSD) online at fsd.gov using the following language: “I do not intend to seek financial assistance from the Department of Defense. I do not wish to obtain a CAGE or NCAGE code. I understand that I will need to submit my registration after this incident is resolved in order to have my registration activated.”

Organizations based outside of the United States and that DO NOT plan to do business with the DoD should follow the below instructions:

Step 1: Proceed to SAM.gov to obtain a UEI and complete the SAM.gov registration process. SAM.gov registration must be renewed annually.

Organizations based outside of the United States and that DO plan to do business with the DoD in addition to Department of State should follow the below instructions:

Step 1: Apply for an NCAGE code by following the instructions on the NSPA NATO website linked below:

NCAGE Homepage:
https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/sc/CageList.aspx
NCAGE Code Request Tool (NCRT):

Exemptions

An exemption from the UEI and sam.gov registration requirements may be permitted on a case-by-case basis if:

An applicant’s identity must be protected due to potential endangerment of their mission, their organization’s status, their employees, or individuals being served by the applicant.
For an applicant, if the Federal awarding agency makes a determination that there are exigent circumstances that prohibit the applicant from receiving a unique entity identifier and completing SAM registration prior to receiving a Federal award. In these instances, Federal awarding agencies must require the recipient to obtain a unique entity identifier and complete SAM registration within 30 days of the Federal award date.

Submission Dates and Times

Applications are due no later than December 4, 2023

Funding Restrictions

Award funds cannot be used for construction or vehicle purchases.

Other Submission Requirements

All application materials must be submitted by email to WindhoekPublicDiplomacy@state.gov

E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

Criteria

Each application will be evaluated and rated on the basis of the evaluation criteria outlined below.

Quality and Feasibility of the Program Idea – 20 points: The program idea is well developed, with detail about how program activities will be carried out. The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline.

Organizational Capacity and Record on Previous Grants – 20 points: The organization has expertise in its stated field and has the internal controls in place to manage federal funds. This includes a financial management system and a bank account.

Program Planning/Ability to Achieve Objectives – 15 points: Goals and objectives are clearly stated and program approach is likely to provide maximum impact in achieving the proposed results.

Budget – 10 points: The budget justification is detailed. Costs are reasonable in relation to the proposed activities and anticipated results. The budget is realistic, accounting for all necessary expenses to achieve proposed activities.

Monitoring and evaluation plan – 15 points: Applicant demonstrates it is able to measure program success against key indicators and provides milestones to indicate progress toward goals outlined in the proposal. The program includes output and outcome indicators, and shows how and when those will be measured.

Sustainability – 10 points: Program activities will continue to have positive impact after the end of the program.

Support of Equity and Underserved Communities – 10 points: Proposals should clearly demonstrate how the program will support and advance equity and engage underserved communities in program administration, design, and implementation. Proposals should include American content.

Review and Selection Process

A review committee will evaluate all eligible applications.

Responsibility/Qualification Information in SAM.gov (formerly, FAPIIS)

i. 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 U.S. government designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM.gov (see 41 U.S.C. 2313);

ii. An applicant, at its option, may review and comment on any information about itself that a Federal awarding agency previously entered. Currently, federal agencies create integrity records in the integrity module of the Contractor Performance Assessment and Reporting System (CPARS) and these records are visible as responsibility/qualification records in SAM.gov;

iii. 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 §200.206 Federal awarding agency review of risk posed by applicants.

Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates: November 2, 2023

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

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: SF-270

Administrative and National Policy Requirements

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

These include:

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

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

Reporting

Reporting Requirements: Recipients will be required to submit financial reports and program reports. The award document will specify how often these reports must be submitted. Applicants should be aware of the post award reporting requirements reflected in 2 CFR 200 Appendix XII—Award Term and Condition for Recipient Integrity and Performance Matters.

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

G. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS

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

H. OTHER INFORMATION

Guidelines for Budget Justification

Personnel and Fringe Benefits: Describe the wages, salaries, and benefits of temporary or permanent staff who will be working directly for the applicant on the program, and the percentage of their time that will be spent on the program.

Travel: Estimate the costs of travel and per diem for this program, for program staff, consultants or speakers, and participants/beneficiaries. If the program involves international travel, include a brief statement of justification for that travel.

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.

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 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.

Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund 2023 (Closed)

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
U.S. EMBASSY WINDHOEK/PUBLIC AFFAIRS SECTION
Notice of Funding Opportunity

Funding Opportunity Title: Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund 2023
Funding Opportunity Number: PD-Windhoek-FY2023-04/4
Deadline for Applications: March 3, 2023
Assistance Listing Number: 19.022
Total Amount Available: $5 000 – $35 000 (pending funding available)

The Embassy of the United States in Namibia announces an open competition for past participants (“alumni”) of U.S. government-funded and U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs to submit applications to the 2023 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF 2023). We seek proposals from teams of at least two alumni that meet all program eligibility requirements below. Exchange alumni interested in participating in AEIF 2023 should submit proposals to PublicAffairsWindhoek@state.gov by March 3, 2023.

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION.

AEIF provides alumni of U.S. government-sponsored and facilitated exchange programs with funding to expand on skills gained during their exchange experience to design and implement innovative solutions to global challenges facing their community. Since its inception in 2011, AEIF has funded nearly 500 alumni-led projects around the world through a competitive global competition. This year, AEIF 2023 will support United States’ commitment in prioritizing initiatives that aim promote democracy and transparency, entrepreneurship, education and English, green initiatives, and media and civil society capacity building.

Program Objectives:

AEIF is designed to increase the impact of the U.S. government’s investment in exchange participants and programs by helping alumni develop and implement projects that support U.S. foreign policy objectives, promote shared interests, and benefit local communities.

The Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Embassy in Windhoek invites proposals for programs that strengthen ties between the United States and Namibia through cultural, academic, and exchange programming that promotes bilateral cooperation and shared values. All proposals should include an American element, such as a connection with American experts, organizations, or institutions.

All AEIF projects must include at least one of the following:

Bring alumni together from different exchange programs to build or expand an alumni network capable of working together on common interests and increase regional and global collaboration of alumni.
Strengthen the relationship between alumni and the U.S. government to work together on activities that address mutual goals and challenges.
Support alumni as they develop their leadership capacity and implement projects in their communities.

U.S. Embassy Namibia will accept public service projects proposed and managed by teams of at least two (2) alumni that support themes such as:

Democracy and Transparency
Entrepreneurship
Education and English
Green Initiatives
Media and Civil Society Capacity Building

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Announcement posted: February 3, 2023
Closing date for applications: March 3, 2023
Funding type: FY23 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds
Expected size of individual awards: Between $5,000 to $35,000.

This notice is subject to availability of funding.

Funding Instrument Type: Grant, fixed amount award, or cooperative agreement. Cooperative agreements are different from grants in that bureau/embassy staff are more actively involved in the grant implementation.

Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 12 months or less.

C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION

Eligible Applicants:The following individuals are eligible to apply:

Applicants must be alumni of a U.S. government-funded or sponsored exchange program (https://alumni.state.gov/list-exchange-programs) or a U.S. government-sponsored exchange program (https://j1visa.state.gov/).
Projects teams must include teams of at least two (2) alumni.
Alumni who are U.S. citizens may not submit proposals, but U.S. citizen alumni may participate as team members in a project.
Alumni teams may be comprised of alumni from different exchange programs and different countries.
Applications must be submitted by exchange alumni or alumni associations of USG exchange alumni. Not-for-profit, non-governmental organizations, think tanks, and academic institutions are not eligible to apply in the name of the organization but can serve as partners for implementing project activities.

2. Cost Sharing
Inclusion of cost share is not a requirement of this opportunity.

3. Grant Program Area:
Proposals must address matters pertaining to democracy and transparency, entrepreneurship, education and English, green initiatives, or media and civil society capacity building in Namibia. Proposals that do not address the theme(s) as outlined in the program objectives will be deemed ineligible. All project activities must take place outside of the United States and its territories.

4. Other Eligibility Requirements
If the grant will be processed with an individual, that individual is not required to have a UEI (Unique Entity ID) number or be registered in SAM.gov. However, should the grant be processed with an organization that is a partner in the project, that organization must have a UEI, as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov. Organizations must have a commitment to equal opportunity employment practices and to non-discrimination practices with regard to beneficiaries, without regard to race, religion, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or political affiliation.

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

Address to Request Application Package
Application and budget templates are available at www.grants.gov
Content and Form of Application Submission
Applications and budgets must be submitted using the official AEIF 2023 application and budget forms.
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.

Please ensure:

The proposal clearly addresses the goals and objectives of this funding opportunity;
The proposal addresses all questions in the official AEIF 2023 application form;
All documents are in English;
The budget is in U.S. dollars and is submitted using the designated AEIF 2023 budget form;
All pages are numbered.

The following documents and information are required:

Mandatory application forms
a. SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance – organizations) or SF-424-I (Application for Federal Assistance –individuals) at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html
b. SF424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs) at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html
c. SF424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs) at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-individual-family.html
Project Team Information: At least two exchange alumni team members are required for a project to be considered for funding. Applications need to provide the name and contact information, describe the role each team member will have in the project, and their experience, qualifications, and ability to carry out that role. Applicants need to indicate what proportion of the team member’s time will be used in support of the project.
Proposal Summary: A short narrative which outlines the proposed project, including challenge/s to be addressed, project objectives, and anticipated impact.
Project Goals and Objectives: The goal/s of the proposed project need to describe what the project is intended to achieve and include the objectives which support the goal/s. Objectives should be specific, measurable, and realistically achievable in a set time frame.
Project Methods, Design, and Timeline: A description of how the project is expected to work to solve the stated problem and achieve the goal/s. This should include a description of the project’s direct and indirect beneficiaries as well as a plan on how to continue the program beyond the grant period, or the availability of other resources, if applicable. The proposed timeline for the project activities should include the dates, times, and locations of planned activities and events. Applicants may also submit proposed workshop or training agendas and materials.
Local Project Partners: A list of partners who will support the proposed project, if applicable.
Communication Plan: The communication plan should include a communication and outreach strategy for promoting the proposed project. It may include social media, websites, print news, or other forms of media intended to use to share information about the project to beneficiaries and the public. Communications should include AEIF 2023, Exchange Alumni, and U.S. Embassy branding.
Project Monitoring and Evaluation Plan: The Monitoring and Evaluation component of the proposal should outline in detail how the proposal’s activities will advance the program’s goals and objectives. This should include any outcomes showing a 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 measure the impact of planned activities.
Budget Justification Narrative: 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. Budgets shall be submitted in U.S. dollars and final grant agreements will be conducted in U.S. dollars.

Budget Restrictions: AEIF 2023 does not support the following activities or costs, and the selection committee will deem applications involving any of these activities or costs ineligible:

Any airfare to/from the United States and its territories
Activities that take place in the United States and its territories
Staff salaries, office space, and overhead/operational expenses
Large items of durable equipment or construction programs
Alcohol, excessive meals, refreshments, or entertainment
Academic or scientific research
Charitable or development activities
Provision of direct social services to a population
Individual scholarships
Social travel/visits
Gifts or prizes
Duplication of existing programs
Institutional development of an organization
Venture capital, for-profit endeavors, or charging a fee for participation in project
Support for specific religious activities
Fund-raising campaigns
Support or opposition of partisan political activity or lobbying for specific legislation

Required Registrations:

Organizations based in the United States or that pay employees within the United States will need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), a Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code, and a UEI number prior to registering in SAM.gov.
Organizations based outside of the United States and that do not pay employees within the United States do not need an EIN from the IRS, but do need a UEI number prior to registering in SAM.gov. Please note that as of December 2022, organizations based outside of the United States that do not intend to apply for U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) awards are no longer required to have a NATO CAGE (NCAGE) code to apply for non-DoD foreign assistance funding opportunities. If an applicant organization is mid-registration and wishes to remove an NCAGE code from their sam.gov registration, the applicant should submit a help desk ticket (“incident”) with the Federal Service Desk (FSD) online at www.fsd.gov to seek guidance on how to do so.

Exemptions

An exemption from these requirements may be permitted on a case-by-case basis if:

• An applicant’s identity must be protected due to potential endangerment of their mission, their organization’s status, their employees, or individuals being served by the applicant.
For an applicant, if the Federal awarding agency makes a determination that there are exigent circumstances that prohibit the applicant from receiving a unique entity identifier and completing SAM registration prior to receiving a Federal award. In these instances, Federal awarding agencies must require the recipient to obtain a unique entity identifier and complete SAM registration within 30 days of the Federal award date.

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

www.SAM.gov registration which will generate a UEI
NCAGE/CAGE code

Any applicant with an exclusion in the System for Award Management (SAM) is not eligible to apply for an assistance award in accordance with the OMB guidelines at 2 CFR 180 that implement Executive Orders 12549 (3 CFR, 1986 Comp., p. 189) and 12689 (3 CFR, 1989 Comp., p. 235), “Debarment and Suspension.”

The Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) is one of the data elements mandated by Public Law 109-282, the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA), for all Federal awards. SAM.gov is the Federal government’s primary database for complying with FFATA reporting requirements. OMB designated SAM.gov as the central repository to facilitate applicant and recipient use of a single public website that consolidates data on all federal financial assistance. Under the law, it is mandatory to register in SAM.gov.

Starting April 2022, the UEI will be assigned when an organization registers or renews it’s registration in SAM.gov at www.SAM.gov. To access SAM.gov an organization is required to have a Login.gov account. Organization can create an account at https://login.gov/. As a reminder, organizations need to renew its sam.gov registration annually.

US-based organizations: A CAGE code will be automatically assigned when the U.S. organizations registers in www.sam.gov. CAGE must be renewed every 5 years. Site for CAGE: https://cage.dla.mil/Home/UsageAgree. Grantees may be asked for more information to finalized and must comply.

Foreign-based organizations: Must apply for a NCAGE code before registering in SAM.gov. Go to: https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/CageTool/home to apply for a NCAGE code. NCAGE codes must be renewed every 5 years.

It is in the organization’s best interest to check if their CAGE/or NCAGE codes are active. Organizations are required to register/or renew their CAGE or NCAGE codes prior to registering or renewing www.sam.gov . Both registration and renewals for both CAGE and NCAGE can take up to 10 days. Organization’s legal address in NCAGE/CAGE must mirror www. sam.gov.

If an organization plans to issue a sub-contract or sub-award, those sub-awardees must also have a unique entity identifier (UEI number). Those entities can register for a UEI only at SAM.gov.

Note: As of April 2022, a DUNS number is no longer required.

10. Submission Dates and Times

Applications are due no later than March 3, 2023

11. Funding Restrictions

Supported Activities and Costs

AEIF 2023 can support the following budget items:

Intra-regional or in-country transportation
Rental of venues for project activities
PPE and sanitizing equipment
Meals/refreshments integral to the project (i.e., working lunch for a meeting)
Reasonable costs to support virtual programming (i.e., subscription to Zoom, WebEx, camera/microphones for virtual meetings, mailing services, etc.)
Trainer or speaker honoraria expenses (i.e., maximum $250/day fee, travel, lodging, per diem)
Reasonable equipment and materials
Communications and publicity materials, such as manuals or project advertisements

E. REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS
Evaluation Criteria: The U.S. embassy or Public Diplomacy section will use the criteria outlined below to evaluate all applications. The proposals will be reviewed by a Selection Committee made up of regional and exchange program experts located at the Department of State in Washington, DC. Panelists will use the criteria below to review and evaluate applications.

Relevance to Application Theme – 15 points
The proposal provides sufficient information on how the activities will support the theme(s) of the competition. The narrative explains any relevant local context the D.C. Selection Committee may not be aware of in relation to this project. Proposed project ideas must be public diplomacy in nature (i.e. not development or military).

Purpose and Summary, Description, and Implementation Plan – 20 points
When developing the purpose, summary, description, and implementation plan, applicants should aim to make all descriptions clear, concise, and compelling. Reviewers will judge the proposals based on the likelihood for the project to exert a sustained, powerful influence on the community where it is undertaken. Does the project address an important gap of understanding or need? If the aim of the project is achieved, how will existing knowledge or practice be improved? What audience do the applicants hope to reach with this project? How many will participate? How will they be selected?

Degree of Alumni Involvement – 10 points
Projects must include the involvement of at least two (2) exchange alumni. They may be the project team leaders or collaborate directly with PAS in formulating the project. More than two alumni may comprise the team, however, the minimum is two. As the team leaders, the alumni must be closely involved in project planning, implementation, etc. Applicants should ensure that the proposal includes the following information for each alumni team member: first name, last name, e-mail address, exchange program, country of citizenship, and roles and responsibilities.

Participation and Support from Local Partners – 10 points
The proposal demonstrates buy-in and support from the community where the project will take place. Local partner involvement is a strong sign that there is community support and that the project will engage a broad array of experts, such as subject matter experts, community centers, academic institutions, businesses, local/national government, non-governmental organizations, American Spaces, etc.

Evaluation and Impact of the Project – 20 points
A monitoring & evaluation (M&E) plan is pivotal to project implementation and important tracking progress towards the project’s objectives and goals. An M&E plan should consider the data needed to effectively monitor progress toward specific outputs and outcomes as well as how that data collection will be accomplished. Well-crafted indicators should be used to understand a program’s progress toward the desired results. An M&E plan should be reviewed for the following:

Completion
Applicability and logic of objectives and indicators
Clear approach to monitoring
Adherence to SMART criteria
Feasibility of baselines and targets
Data quality plan
Capacity to implement plan

Communication, Media, and Outreach Plan – 10 points
The project should include a clear plan and timeline for how and when the team will share information about the project. It is important to ensure that the U.S. Embassy gets recognition throughout the process, if circumstances permit.

Budget and Budget Narrative – 15 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.

Disclaimer: This notice is subject to availability of funding. U.S. Embassy Namibia does not guarantee availability of funding by receiving applications under this announcement. Only successful applicants will be contacted.

F. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

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

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/about-us-office-of-the-procurement-executive/. Note the U.S Flag branding and marking requirements in the Standard Terms and Conditions.

Reporting Requirements: Recipients will be required to submit financial reports and program reports. The award document will specify how often these reports must be submitted.

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

G. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS
Questions about the grant application process should be directed to: PublicAffairsWindhoek@state.gov

H. OTHER INFORMATION

Guidelines for Budget Justification

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.

“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.

U.S. Study Abroad Engagement Grant (Closing Date: December 22, 2023)

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Public Diplomacy Section, U.S. Embassy Windhoek, Namibia.
Notice of Funding Opportunity

Funding Opportunity Title: FY24 U.S. Study Abroad Engagement
Funding Opportunity Number: AF-WHK/STUDYABROAD-FY24-02
Deadline for Applications: December 22, 2023
Assistance Listing Number: 19.022
Funding Available: $15,000

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The U.S. Embassy Windhoek, Namibia / Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a program to support activities that will expand international academic partnerships and the number and diversity of U.S. undergraduate students studying abroad in more diverse locations around the world. Please follow all instructions below.

Priority Region: African

Program Objectives:
The U.S. Study Abroad Engagement Grants (SAEGs) have been strategically developed to provide essential support for initiatives aimed at enhancing international academic partnerships. These grants aim to foster a significant increase in the number and diversity of U.S. undergraduate students who embark on life-changing study abroad experiences in a wider array of destinations across the globe. The goal of SAEGs is to build foreign higher education institutions’ capacity to develop partnerships with U.S counterparts and host more U.S study abroad students. SAEGs can support the development of wider higher education partnerships and exchanges, but all projects must have activities directly linked to increasing foreign higher education institutions’ capacity to host U.S. study abroad students.
SAEGs are the foreign-focused component of USA Study Abroad’s higher education capacity-building programming. It is complemented by the Increase and Diversify Education Abroad for U.S. Students (IDEAS) Program, which provides grants and trainings to build U.S. colleges and universities’ capacity to engage in international exchanges, including through the development of international partnerships. Through its work with SAEGs and the IDEAS Program, USA Study Abroad aims to build global higher education capacity to support U.S. study abroad programming, thereby increasing and diversifying the institutions, students, and destinations engaged in education abroad programming.
The program is designed to encourage creative thinking about strategic support of international academic partnerships and U.S. students studying abroad.

Capacity-building or academic partnerships trainings: Interested parties may propose webinars, workshops, expert seminars, or other in-person, hybrid, or virtual training activities for local and/or U.S. higher education administrators designed to improve their capacity to develop academic partnerships and exchange programming between local and U.S. higher education institutions.
Partnership and study abroad program development: If interested parties are working directly with U.S. and/or foreign higher education institution(s) interested in developing partnerships and programming, interested parties may propose site visits, collaborative program design, faculty training, and other group activities to support the development of international partnerships and programming.
Resource creation: Interested parties may propose the creation of partnership toolkits, training materials, and/or other resources designed to support foreign institutions’ capacity to develop partnerships and host more U.S. study abroad students.

Participants and Audiences:
Targets private, public, parastatal, NGOs, Citizens/ individuals, and Civil organizations.

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Length of performance period: 5 to 6 months
Number of awards anticipated: 1 (one) award (dependent on amounts)
Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $15,000.
Total available funding: $15,000
Type of Funding: Fulbright-Hayes
Anticipated programs start date: April 2024

This notice is subject to availability of funding.

Funding Instrument Type: Grant, fixed amount award (FAA), or cooperative agreement. Cooperative agreements and some FAAs are different from grants in that bureau/embassy staff are more actively involved in the grant implementation (“Substantial Involvement”).

The Embassy will be involved in the selection of the awarding process.
Monitoring of the funds/grant
In all the dialogues/ activities of the program

Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in September 2024 or less.
Optional: The Department of State will entertain applications for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the initial budget period on a non-competitive basis subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the program, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the U.S. Department of State.

C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION

1. Eligible Applicants

The following organizations are eligible to apply include all that apply, and indicate US, foreign, or both. For example:

Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations.
Public and private educational institutions
For-profit organizations (only if allowed by appropriation – not for PD funds)
Individuals
Public International Organizations and Governmental institutions

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

No cost sharing required.

3. Other Eligibility Requirements

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

1. Address to Request Application Package

Application forms required below are available at www.grants.gov

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

Please follow all instructions below carefully. Proposals that do not meet the requirements of this announcement or fail to comply with the stated requirements will be ineligible.

Content of Application
Please ensure:

The proposal clearly addresses the goals and objectives of this funding opportunity.
All documents are in English.
All budgets are in U.S. dollars.
All pages are numbered.
All documents are formatted to 8 ½ x 11 paper, and
All Microsoft Word documents are single-spaced, 12-point Calibri font, with a minimum of 1-inch margins.

The following documents are required:
1. Mandatory application forms

SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance – organizations) at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html or SF-424-I (Application for Federal Assistance –individuals) at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-individual-family.html
SF-424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs) at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html
SF-424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs) at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-individual-family.html (note: the SF-424B is only required for individuals and for organizations not registered in SAM.gov)

2. Summary Page: Cover sheet stating the applicant’s name and organization, proposal date, program title, program period proposed start and end date, and brief purpose of the program.

3. Proposal (6 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. 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. Include a logic model as appropriate.
Proposed Program Schedule and Timeline: The proposed timeline for the program activities. Include the dates, times, and locations of planned activities and events.
Key Personnel: Names, titles, roles, and experience/qualifications of key personnel involved in the program. What proportion of their time will be used in support of this program?
Program Partners: List the names and type of involvement of key partner organizations and sub-awardees.
Program Monitoring and Evaluation Plan: This is an important part of successful grants. Throughout the timeframe 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 file to describe each of the budget expenses in detail. See section H. Other Information: Guidelines for Budget Submissions below for further information.

5. Attachments:

1-page CV or resume of key personnel who are proposed for the program
Letters of support from program partners describing the roles and responsibilities of each partner
If your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, your latest NICRA should be included as a PDF file.
Official permission letters, if required for program activities

3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov) (NOTE: This section is required and not optional, except for NOFOs targeting applications from individuals instead of organizations)

Required Registrations:

Note: As of April 2022, a DUNS number is no longer required for federal assistance applications.

Note: The process of obtaining or renewing a SAM.gov registration may take anywhere from 4-8 weeks. Please begin your registration as early as possible.

Organizations based in the United States or that pay employees within the United States will need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and a UEI number prior to registering in SAM.gov.
Organizations based outside of the United States and that do not pay employees within the United States do not need an EIN from the IRS but do need a UEI number prior to registering in SAM.gov.
Please note that as of November 2022 and February 2022 respectively, organizations based outside of the United States that do not intend to apply for U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) awards are no longer required to have a NATO Commercial and Government Entity (NCAGE) code or CAGE code to apply for non-DoD foreign assistance funding opportunities. If an applicant organization is mid-registration and wishes to remove a CAGE or NCAGE code from their SAM.gov registration, the applicant should submit a help desk ticket (“incident”) with the Federal Service Desk (FSD) online at www.fsd.gov using the following language: “I do not intend to seek financial assistance from the Department of Defense. I do not wish to obtain a CAGE or NCAGE code. I understand that I will need to submit my registration after this incident is resolved in order to have my registration activated.”

Organizations based outside of the United States and that DO NOT plan to do business with the DoD should follow the below instructions:

Step 1: Proceed to SAM.gov to obtain a UEI and complete the SAM.gov registration process. SAM.gov registration must be renewed annually.

Organizations based outside of the United States and that DO plan to do business with the DoD in addition to Department of State should follow the below instructions:

Step 1: Apply for an NCAGE code by following the instructions on the NSPA NATO website linked below:

NCAGE Homepage:
https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/sc/CageList.aspx
NCAGE Code Request Tool (NCRT):

Exemptions
An exemption from the UEI and sam.gov registration requirements may be permitted on a case-by-case basis if:

An applicant’s identity must be protected due to potential endangerment of their mission, their organization’s status, their employees, or individuals being served by the applicant.
For an applicant, if the Federal awarding agency makes a determination that there are exigent circumstances that prohibit the applicant from receiving a unique entity identifier and completing SAM registration prior to receiving a Federal award. In these instances, Federal awarding agencies must require the recipient to obtain a unique entity identifier and complete SAM registration within 30 days of the Federal award date.

4. Submission Dates and Times

Applications are due no later than Friday, December 22, 2023.

5. Funding Restrictions
SAEGs support institutional capacity and can NOT directly fund study abroad programs for students. SAEGs may NOT fund travel, tuition, or any expenses for students to participate in a study abroad program. Proposals with such costs are ineligible.

6. Other Submission Requirements

All application materials must be submitted by email to WindhoekPublicDiplomacy@state.gov

E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

1. Criteria

American Content: How will the project promote a better understanding of the United States?

Quality and Feasibility of the Program Idea – 20 points: The program idea is well developed, with detail about how program activities will be carried out. The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline.

Program Planning/Ability to Achieve Objectives – 15 points: Goals and objectives are clearly stated, and program approach is likely to provide maximum impact in achieving the proposed results.

Sustainability – 10 points: Program activities will continue to have positive impact after the end of the program.

2. Review and Selection Process

A review committee will evaluate all eligible applications. The team will select a panel that will go through all the applications and select the best candidate.

3. Responsibility/Qualification Information in SAM.gov (formerly, FAPIIS)

ii. An applicant, at its option, may review and comment on any information about itself that a Federal awarding agency previously entered. Currently, Federal agencies create integrity records in the integrity module of the Contractor Performance Assessment and Reporting System (CPARS) and these records are visible as responsibility/qualification records in SAM.gov.

4. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates March 2024

F. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

1. Federal Award Notices

Payment Method: SF-270.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

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

These include:

2 CFR 25 – UNIVERSAL IDENTIFIER AND SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT
2 CFR 170 – REPORTING SUBAWARD AND EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION INFORMATION
2 CFR 175 – AWARD TERM FOR TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS
2 CFR 182 – GOVERNMENTWIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE (FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE)
2 CFR 183 – NEVER CONTRACT WITH THE ENEMY
2 CFR 600 – DEPARTMENT OF STATE REQUIREMENTS
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS

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

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

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

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

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

G. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS
If you have any questions about the grant application process,
please contact: WindhoekPublicDiplomacy@state.gov

H. OTHER INFORMATION

Guidelines for Budget Justification

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 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.

Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (Closed)

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
U.S. EMBASSY NAMIBIA/PUBLIC AFFAIRS SECTION
Notice of Funding Opportunity

Funding Opportunity Title: Ambassador’s Cultural Preservation Fund
Funding Opportunity Number: AF-WHK-FY23-02
Deadline for Applications: December 30, 2022
Assistance Listing Number: 19.025
Total Amount Available: $250,000 (pending funding availability)

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The U.S. Embassy Namibia is pleased to announce the start of the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) 2023 Grants Program.

The application process involves two rounds: In Round 1, the Embassy will collect project ideas in the form of concept notes. In Round 2, concept notes that will be selected will have to be transformed into full project applications for submission.

The U.S. Embassy is inviting NGOs, museums, or similar institutions to submit concept notes for the Ambassador’s Cultural Preservation Fund (AFCP).

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

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

Sites and Objects Having a Religious Connection: An item with a religious connection (including a place of worship) may be the subject of a cultural preservation grant if the item derives its primary significance and is nominated solely based on architectural, artistic, historical, or other cultural (not religious) criteria.

Application Review Process: The Cultural Heritage Center in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs will begin its formal review of concept notes in early 2023. It will review and select Round 1 project concept notes and full project applications (Round 2) in consultation with the regional bureau Public Diplomacy offices and taking into consideration the program objectives, funding areas and priorities, and other application requirements. The Cultural Heritage Center in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs may deem concept notes and full applications ineligible if they do not fully adhere to AFCP 2023 Grants Program objectives, requirements, and other criteria stated herein.

Program Objectives:
The Department of State established the AFCP in 2001 at the request of Congress (Conference Report 106-1005 accompanying H.R. 4942). At the time, the Senate noted that the preservation of cultural heritage, “offers an opportunity to show a different American face to other countries, one that is non-commercial, non-political, and non-military.” The projects recommended for funding advance U.S. foreign policy goals and show respect for other cultures. Cultural preservation is effective public diplomacy that resonates deeply with opinion leaders and local communities, even in countries where ties may be otherwise limited. AFCP projects strengthen civil society, encourage good governance, and promote political and economic stability

Funding Priorities: The most successful AFCP projects promote specific U.S. policy goals and host-country or community goals. Accordingly, in FY 2023, we will prioritize projects that do one or more of the following:

Directly support U.S. treaty or bilateral agreement obligations.
Directly support U.S. policies, strategies, and objectives in a country as stated in the Integrated Country Strategy (ICS) (ICS is the four-year strategy that articulates the U.S. priorities in a given country and is led by the Chief of Mission.) These priorities are to Empowering and Inclusive, Rules-Based Democracy, Catalyzing a Resilient, Sustainable Economy and Cultivating Equitable Access to Service to help Unleash Namibia’s Human Resources.
Support disaster risk reduction for cultural heritage in disaster-prone areas, or post-disaster cultural heritage recovery.
Complement the Cultural Heritage Center in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) or public diplomacy programs.

Participants and Audiences:
The Cultural Heritage Center in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) defines eligible project implementers as reputable and accountable non-commercial entities that can demonstrate they have the requisite capacity to manage projects to preserve cultural heritage. Eligible implementers may include non-governmental organizations, museums, educational institutions, ministries of culture, or similar institutions and organizations, including U.S.-based educational institutions and organizations subject to Section 501(c)(3) of the tax code. The AFCP will not award grants to individuals, commercial entities, or past award recipients that have not fulfilled the objectives or reporting requirements of previous awards.

Potential implementers must be registered and active in the U.S. government’s System for Award Management (SAM) to receive U.S. federal assistance. If an embassy’s project idea is advanced to Round 2 and the anticipated implementer is not registered in SAM, the embassy should initiate the registration process immediately so that it is in place in the event the project is ultimately selected for an award. See paragraph 23 below for information on how to register. The registration process can take several weeks to complete so it is important to avoid any delay. If a project is selected for an award and the registration is not completed, the award could be delayed to the next FY, pending the availability of funding.

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Length of performance period: 8 to 12 months
Number of awards anticipated: One (dependent on amounts)
Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $10 000 to a maximum of $250,000
Total available funding: $250,000
Type of Funding: Fulbright -Hayes

This notice is subject to availability of funding.

Funding Instrument Type: Grant

Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 60 months or less.

C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION

1. Eligible Applicants

The following organizations are eligible to apply:

Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations
Public and private educational institutions
The AFCP will not award grants to individuals, commercial entities, or past recipients that have not fulfilled the objectives or reporting requirements of previous awards.
Public International Organizations and Governmental institutions

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

3. Other Eligibility Requirements

In order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number issued via www.SAM.gov as well as a valid registration on https://sam.gov/ Please see Section D.3 for more information. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov.

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

D. SUBMISSION INFORMATION

Please ensure:

The proposal clearly addresses the goals and objectives of this funding opportunity
All documents are in English
All budgets are in U.S. dollars
All pages are numbered
All documents are formatted to 8 ½ x 11 paper, and
All Microsoft Word documents are single-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font, with a minimum of 1-inch margins.

1. Summary Page: Cover sheet stating the applicant’s name and organization, proposal date, program title, program period proposed start and end date, and brief purpose of the program.

2. Concept Note
Each concept note submitted must include:
a) Project Basics, including working title, anticipated project length (Note: Applicants may propose project periods of up to 60 months), location/site, and project cost estimate (amount requested from AFCP; in U.S. dollars).
b) Project Implementer information, including name and SAM registration status.
c) Project Scope of Work summarizing the preservation goals and any broader host country or community goals (i.e., what they hope to gain from the project beyond the preserved heritage and how they plan to get there; 3,000 characters maximum).
d) Rationale for AFCP Support, explaining why it’s in the interests of the U.S. government to fund the project, specifically:
1. the projected public diplomacy benefits and impacts of the project (1,000 characters maximum).
e) Five (5) high quality digital images (JPEGs) or audiovisual files that convey the nature and condition of the site, collection, or tradition and show the urgency or need for the proposed project (collapsing walls, water damage, etc.).

Required Registrations:

All organizations applying for grants (except individuals) must obtain these registrations. All are free of charge:
• https://sam.gov/ registration which will generate a UEI
• NCAGE/CAGE code

It is in the organization’s best interest to check if their CAGE/or NCAGE codes are active. Organizations are required to register/or renew their CAGE or NCAGE codes prior to registering or renewing www.sam.gov . Both registration and renewals for both CAGE and NCAGE can take up to 10 days. Organization’s legal address in NCAGE/CAGE must mirror www. sam.gov.

If an organization plans to issue a sub-contract or sub-award, those sub-awardees must also have a unique entity identifier (UEI number). Those entities can register for a UEI only at SAM.gov.

Note: As of April 2022, a DUNS number is no longer required.

1. Submission Dates and Times

Applications are due no later than December 30, 2022

2. Other Submission Requirements
All application materials must be submitted by email to PublicAffairsWindhoek@state.gov

E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION
1. Criteria

Each application will be evaluated and rated on the basis of the evaluation criteria outlined below.

Program Planning/Ability to Achieve Objectives – 15 points: Goals and objectives are clearly stated, and program approach is likely to provide maximum impact in achieving the proposed results.

Sustainability – 10 points: Program activities will continue to have positive impact after the end of the program.

2. Review and Selection Process

A review committee will evaluate all eligible concept notes.

3. Federal Awardee Performance & Integrity Information System (FAPIIS)

For any Federal award under a notice of funding opportunity, if the Federal awarding agency anticipates that the total Federal share will be greater than the simplified acquisition threshold on any Federal award under a notice of funding opportunity may include, over the period of performance (see §200.88 Simplified Acquisition Threshold), this section must also inform applicants:

i. That the Federal awarding agency, prior to making a Federal award with a total amount of Federal share greater than the simplified acquisition threshold, is required to review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM (currently FAPIIS) (see 41 U.S.C. 2313);

ii. That an applicant, at its option, may review information in the designated integrity and performance systems accessible through SAM and comment on any information about itself that a Federal awarding agency previously entered and is currently in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM;

iii. That the Federal awarding agency will consider any comments by the applicant, in addition to the other information in the designated integrity and performance system, in making a judgment about the applicant’s integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under Federal awards when completing the review of risk posed by applicants as described in §200.206 Federal awarding agency review of risk posed by applicants.

F. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

1. Federal Award Notices

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

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

These include:

• 2 CFR 25 – UNIVERSAL IDENTIFIER AND SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT
• 2 CFR 170 – REPORTING SUBAWARD AND EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION INFORMATION
• 2 CFR 175 – AWARD TERM FOR TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS
• 2 CFR 182 – GOVERNMENTWIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE (FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE)
• 2 CFR 183 – NEVER CONTRACT WITH THE ENEMY
• 2 CFR 600 – DEPARTMENT OF STATE REQUIREMENTS
• U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS

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

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

G. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS
If you have any questions about the grant application process, please contact: PublicAffairsWindhoek@state.gov

GH-23-0005, Comprehensive Provision of Integrated, High-Quality Community- and Facility-Based HIV and Tuberculosis (TB) Services in Namibia under PEPFAR (Closed)

Agency Name: Centers for Disease Control – CGH

Description: The Award Ceiling for Year 1 is 0 (none). CDC anticipates an Approximate Total Fiscal Year Funding amount of $34,500,000 for Year 1, subject to the availability of funds.

The overall objective of the NOFO is to support the acceleration and maintenance of sustainable, high-quality, comprehensive HIV and TB services to achieve and sustain the 95-95-95 targets and epidemic control in Namibia. It will support the implementation of programs in selected geographic areas in facility and/or community settings. The comprehensive package of services will include targeted HIV case-finding with immediate linkage to appropriate services; adult and pediatric prevention and treatment; TB prevention, diagnosis, and treatment; elimination of mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT); cervical cancer prevention, screening, and treatment; surveillance of HIV, TB, and related health conditions; improved quality, access, and use of health information systems; and strategic information (SI). The NOFO will fund one or more recipient(s) that will provide technical assistance and capacity building to the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MHSS) at the facility and/or community levels in one or more assigned geographic areas of Namibia. Expected outcomes will include a sustainable, integrated, and efficient health system; increased responsiveness to remaining and emerging gaps in HIV and TB prevention, care, and treatment; reduced HIV- and TB-related morbidity and mortality; reduced HIV and TB incidence; supporting efforts toward the EMTCT of HIV; and overall improved health outcomes.

If you have difficulty accessing the full announcement electronically, please contact: Emily Dale pepfarfoas@cdc.gov

Current Closing Date for Applications: Mar 21, 2023 Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 pm ET on the listed application due date.

Public Diplomacy Small Grant Opportunities (Closed)

Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Program (Closing Date: March 31, 2024)

Academy of Women Entrepreneurs 2024 (Closing Date: December 4, 2023)

Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund 2023 (Closed)

U.S. Study Abroad Engagement Grant (Closing Date: December 22, 2023)

Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (Closed)

GH-23-0005, Comprehensive Provision of Integrated, High-Quality Community- and Facility-Based HIV and Tuberculosis (TB) Services in Namibia under PEPFAR (Closed)

Remarks by U.S. Ambassador Lisa Johnson opening the OMD2030 HUB Market and Community Center