U.S. Embassy in Central African Republic

NOFO-MakerSpace-Bangui American Center

SF424

SF424A

SF424B

U.S. EMBASSY BANGUI, CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

The U.S. Embassy Bangui Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy American Spaces Support Funds Program. This document outlines our funding priorities, the strategic themes we focus on, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding. Please carefully follow all instructions below. Organizations and individuals interested in participating in this call for proposals should submit proposals to BanguiGrants@state.gov by July 31, 2024.

 This notice is subject to funding availability. 

1. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The U.S. Embassy in Central African Republic is pleased to announce the open competition to award a cooperative agreement for a recently launched program, “Bangui in The Making” (or “BMK”). The purpose of the program is to offer Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) workshops in the Bangui American Center’s new MakerSpace.

The Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) invites proposals from established Central African associations, cultural organizations, and academic and scientific institutions to design and implement a six-month STEM program in partnership with the Embassy that would provide approximately 100 middle and high school students with a space for hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The program should train youth and organize workshops during which they will acquire 21st century skills like 3D design and printing, robotics, coding, Design Thinking, and rapid prototyping.

Participants of the Bangui American Center’s MakerSpace program will take part in facilitated in-person and virtual sessions with alumni of U.S.-funded exchange programs, and other experts from STEM fields that enrich the BMK experience.

Proposals should provide a detailed program and timeline for BMK participants. The program should incorporate elements of American history, values, and culture, such as contributions from American inventors and scientists.

The Embassy will award one cooperative agreement of $5,000 to implement the program.

Program Objectives:

• Expand participants’ understanding of the fundamentals of STEM by offering a space where they can explore, learn, experience, participate and express their creativity in sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
• Immerse participants into a gateway of discovering innovative communities and collaborative environments.
• Help expand the Bangui American Center’s engagement with middle school and high school students.
• Highlight U.S. leadership in scientific and technological innovation.

Proposals submitted should clearly address program implementation showing the proposed activities and suggested local 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.

Participants and Audiences:

The BMK program targets middle and high school students in the Central African Republic.  The grantee should plan to recruit BMK participants who have a proven interest in STEM and passion for both innovation and conception using tools provided and beyond.

Applicants are encouraged to develop programs for interschool competitions, expositions, or similar areas.

Proposals

 Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals that use a variety of interactive activities, workshops, and other quality learning experiences to help participants significantly develop their STEM skills, such as 3D design and printing, robotics, coding, Design Thinking, and rapid prototyping.   Proposals should also include a detailed explanation of how applicants will be recruited and a description of how program activities will achieve the intended results. Proposals should include ideas for at least 1-2 activities per month that would allow participants to deepen their STEM skills.

 Guidelines 

• Awardees will work closely with the Embassy’s Public Diplomacy Section to design and execute an intensive, six-month facilitated program for 100 Central African youth.  Activities should include workshops, mentoring, and other interactive sessions. The activities should be innovative, hands-on, and support participant’s growth in the STEM environment.
• Awardees should recruit participants from diverse backgrounds.  A clear methodology of participant recruitment should be detailed in the proposal, including efforts to ensure geographic and socio-economic inclusion.
• The cooperative agreement should cover the costs of venues, facilitators, expert speakers, and any necessary supplies, etc.   (Note: The Bangui American Center will make its MakerSpace equipment available for this program.
• The cooperative agreement should cover funding for any materials necessary for the promotion of the BMK program, recruiting participants, and other materials for use in program activities.
• Awardees should be prepared to design and implement surveys or other methods for evaluating the institute’s effectiveness before, during, and after the program’s completion.  The plan for monitoring and evaluating the program should be included in the proposal.
• The proposal should include information about how the awardee will identify and recruit facilitators and experts.
• The proposal should contain a detailed sample agenda of sessions and activities.
• Awardees should be available to participate in weekly planning meetings with the Embassy from 3 months before the program’s launch until program completion.
• Equipment cannot account for more than 10% of the total project cost.
• The cooperative agreement will be only awarded to Central African associations, committed, and organized cultural organizations academic and scientific institutions that already have a final registration receipt at the time that they apply.
• Central African associations, cultural organizations academic and scientific institutions applying to this program should have experience both in organizing large-scale programs as well as demonstrated knowledge of STEM environment in Central African Republic.
• S. and third-country organizations or nationals are not eligible for awards under this program unless in partnership with a Central African organization.
• All proposals must be submitted to the U.S. Embassy by July 31, 2024. No late proposals will be considered.
• All applicants will be notified of funding decisions by August 30, 2024, subject to the availability of funds.

2. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Announcement Posted: July 1, 2024

Closing Date for Applications: July 31, 2024

Funding type: Cooperative Agreement.  Cooperative agreements are different from grants in that Embassy staff are more actively involved in the grant implementation. The Public Diplomacy Section will be actively involved in the award implementation. U.S. Embassy staff will:

• Provide standardized logos/branding guidelines for BMK promotional materials.
• Initiate and participate in promotional activities, to include promotion of the BMK through the U.S. Embassy’s social media platforms and media engagements.
• Approve participant, facilitator, and expert speaker recruitment and selection plans.
• Assist the implementing partner in developing a multistage review process for applicants, including an initial technical review of applications, review and creation of a short list, and process for interviews, which will include a panel of reviewers with Embassy representation.
• Assist in identifying and contacting alumni of U.S. government exchange program, representatives of U.S. companies, and U.S. Mission personnel as potential speakers, trainers, or mentors.
• Review and approve proposed speaker and trainer rosters and activity/workshop/site visit topics and formats.
• Collaborate with the awardee in assessing participant needs throughout the program, as well as assessing any post program data or feedback to inform future programs.    

Expected Size of Award:  $5,000

Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed within 12 months, including planning for a 6-month program.

3. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION

1. Eligible Applicants

The following entities are eligible to apply: 

• Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks, civil society, and non-governmental organizations
• Business development organizations registered as non-profits
• United States government alumni organizations
• Individuals

2. Cost Sharing

Inclusion of cost share is not a requirement for this opportunity.

3. Grant Program Area:

Proposals must address one or more of the themes listed above. Proposals that do not address the themes as outlined will be deemed ineligible. All project activities must take place outside of the United States and its territories.

4. 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

1. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

1. Address to Request Application Package

Application and budget templates are available at: https://cf.usembassy.gov/ under “Education and Culture,” or by request at BanguiGrants@state.gov

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

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
2. SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance – organizations) or SF-424-I (Application for Federal Assistance –individuals) at https://www.grants.gov/
3. SF424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs) at https://www.grants.gov/
4. SF424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs) at https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/

2. Proposal: The proposal should contain enough information that anyone not familiar with it would understand exactly what the team wants to do. Proposals include the following:

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.

Project 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.

Local Project Partners:  List partners who will support your project.  Please note if you have an existing relationship with your partner organization(s) or individual(s) and describe their role in the project. If you do not have an existing relationship, explain how you anticipate establishing a partnership with the organization(s).

Project Methods, Design, and Timeline: A description of how the project is expected to solve the stated problem and achieve the goal.  This should include description of your direct and indirect beneficiaries.  The proposed timeline for the project activities.  Include the dates, times, and locations of planned activities and events. 

Project Monitoring and Evaluation Plan: The Monitoring and Evaluation component of the proposal will outline in detail how the proposal’s activities will advance the program’s goals and objectives (listed above). A strong proposal will include:

• Any outcomes the grantee expects to occur because of their program. Outcomes could include: change in knowledge, awareness, and attitudes; improved quality of services; increased capacity at a school, group; etc.  Proposals should also include how the grantee will know those outcomes are occurring (surveys, interviews, observations, etc.).
• For example: If the program expects that a computer literacy program will improve participants’ computer literacy skills, a proposal may explain the skills a participant would gain and plan to perform a survey before the program and a survey following the program that would show a change in computer literacy skills due to the program.
• A plan to include the grantee’s reflection of how their program contributed to the program’s goals. As applicable, a strong final report would include success stories, behaviors changed, lessons learned, and results obtained. 

3. 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. 

4. 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

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. 

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.” 

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 decides 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.

1. Submission Dates and Times 

Applications are due no later than July 31, 2024.

2. Funding Restrictions

• Please note that federal funds cannot be used for alcoholic beverages.
• Equipment purchase should not exceed ten percent (10%) of the total budget.

3. Other Submission Requirements

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

1. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

1. Criteria

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

Quality and Feasibility of the Program Idea – 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.

2. Review and Selection Process

A review committee will evaluate all eligible applications. The first review process is a technical review to ensure proposals and organizations meet the criteria set forth above. The second review involves a Grant Review Committee evaluating eligible proposals based on the criteria identified above.

1. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

1. Federal Award Notices

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

If a proposal is selected for funding, the Department of State has no obligation to provide any additional future funding. Renewal of an award to increase funding or extend the period of performance is at the discretion of the Department of State.

Issuance of this NOFO does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the U.S. government, nor does it commit the U.S. government to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of proposals. Further, the U.S. government reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

Before applying, 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
• S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS

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).

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.

FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS

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