U.S. EMBASSY IN ABUJA ANNOUNCES AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS (FROM $5,000 – $50,000) THROUGH IT’S PUBLIC DIPLOMACY SMALL GRANTS PROGRAM ®™✓ INN Nigeria ©

• 

Funding Opportunity Title: U.S. Embassy Abuja PAS Annual Program Statement
Funding Opportunity Number: DOS-NGA-PD-ABV-FY21-007
Deadline for Applications: July 31, 2021
CFDA Number: 19.040 – Public Diplomacy Programs
Maximum for Each Award: $50,000

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

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

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

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

• Academic and professional lectures, seminars
• Exchanges and speaker programs
• Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances and exhibitions, media events
• Cultural heritage conservation and preservation programs
• Training and empowerment programs
• Leadership, youth and sports programs
• Programs that advance peace, security and national unity

Priority Program Areas:

PAS will prioritise grant program proposals that:

• Promote Nigeria’s democratic governance, unity and stability, such as
  • Active citizenship, grassroot mobilization at state and local levels
  • Youth political activism
  • Transparency and accountability
  • Civil society engagement and capacity building
  • Media resources and verification techniques
• Strengthen human capital to promote inclusive economic growth and development, such as
  • Empowerment programs
  • Mentorship series
  • STEM education
• Protect against security threats and foster peace and stability, such as
  • Countering violent extremist narratives and misinformation
  • Mitigate rural violence
  • Support for community interventions
  • Interfaith and intercommunal conflict resolution
  • Peace through sports
• Improve and expand English language learning, and studying in U.S. institutions, such as
  • Curriculum development
  • Teacher training
  • Educational exchanges
• Support Nigeria’s response to the COVID19 pandemic, such as
  • Awareness campaign
  • Media messaging
  • Gender based violence awareness, prevention and response

Participants and Audiences:

This funding opportunity focuses on programs for northern Nigeria and its audiences.

The following types of programs are not eligible for funding:

• Programs relating to partisan political activity;
• Charitable or social welfare projects;
• Tuition support
• Individual travel to conferences
• Construction programs;
• Programs that support specific religious activities;
• Fund-raising campaigns;
• Lobbying for specific legislation or programs
• Scientific research;
• Programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization; or
• Programs that duplicate existing programs.

Authorizing legislation, type and year of funding:

Authorizing statutes for the funding opportunity are:

1. Fulbright-Hays Act, which allows the Department of State to use funds for the purpose of supporting international exchanges that address issues of mutual interest to the United States and host nations: http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/iegps/fulbrighthaysact.pdf
2. Smith-Mundt Act that outlines the terms by which the U.S. government engages global audiences: http://www.state.gov/pdcommission/library/177362.htm

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Length of performance period: 12 to 24months

Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $50,000

Type of Funding:  Fiscal Year 2021 Public Diplomacy Funding

Anticipated programs start date: September 2021

This notice is subject to availability of funding.

Funding Instrument Type:  Grant or Fixed Amount Award. In rare instances a Cooperative Agreement may be used in cases requiring a higher level of involvement from PAS staff in managing the award.  The PAS Abuja grants management team will provide further information regarding Cooperative Agreements as needed.

Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 24 months or less.

C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION

1. Eligible Applicants

The Public Affairs Section encourages applications from U.S. and Nigerian:

• Registered not-for-profit organisations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organisations with programming experience
• Individuals
• Non-profit or governmental educational institutions
• Governmental institutions

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

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

Cost sharing is not required (but desirable).

3. Other Eligibility Requirements

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

In order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number from Dun & Bradstreet, as well as a valid registration on http://www.SAM.gov. Please see Section D.3 for information on how to obtain these registrations.  Individuals are not required to have a DUNS number or be registered in SAM.gov.

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

1. Address to Request Application Package

Application package is 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 Times New Roman font, with a minimum of 1-inch margins.

The following documents are required:

1. Mandatory application forms

• SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance – organizations)or SF-424-I (Application for Federal Assistance –individuals)
• SF424A(Budget Information for Non-Construction programs)
• SF424B(Assurances for Non-Construction programs)

2. Summary Coversheet: Cover sheet stating the applicant name and organization address, proposal date, program title, program period proposed start and end date, amount requested, and brief purpose of the program (250 words maximum).

3. Proposal (10 pages maximum): The proposal should contain sufficient information that anyone not familiar with it would understand exactly what the applicant wants to do. You may use your own proposal format, but it must include all the items below

• Proposal (Executive) 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 Nigeria will be improved? The “objectives” refer to the intermediate accomplishments on the way to the goals. These should be achievable and measurable.
• Program Activities: Describe the program activities and how they will help achieve the objectives.
• Program Methods and Design: A description of how the program is expected to work to solve the stated problem and achieve the goal.
• Proposed Program Schedule:  The proposed timeline for the program activities.  Include the dates, times, and locations of planned activities and events.
• Key Personnel: Names, titles, roles and experience/qualifications of key personnel involved in the program.  What proportion of their time will be used in support of this program?
• Program Partners:  List the names and type of involvement of key partner organizations and sub-awardees.
• Program Monitoring and Evaluation Plan: This is an important part of successful grants. Throughout the time-frame of the grant, how will the activities be monitored to ensure they are happening in a timely manner, and how will the program be evaluated to make sure it is meeting the goals of the grant?
• Future Funding or Sustainability Applicant’s plan for continuing the program beyond the grant period, or the availability of other resources, if applicable.

4. Budget Justification Narrative: After filling out the SF-424A Budget (above), use a separate sheet of paper to describe each of the budget expenses in detail. 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 (i.e., external organisations) describing the roles and responsibilities of each partner
• Official permission letters, if required for program activities

Required Registrations:

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

• Unique Identifier Number from Dun & Bradstreet (DUNS number)
• NCAGE/CAGE code
• SAM.gov registration

Step 1: Apply for a DUNS number and an NCAGE number (these can be completed simultaneously)

DUNS application: Organisations must have a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number from Dun & Bradstreet, if your organisation does not have one already, you may obtain one by calling 1-866-705-5711 or visiting http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform/displayHomePage.do;jsessionid=81407B1F03F2BDB123DD47D19158B75F. http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform

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

Instructions for the NCAGE application process:

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

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

For help from outside the U.S., call 1-269-961-7766

Email NCAGE@dlis.dla.mil for any problems in getting an NCAGE code.

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

3. Submission Dates and Times

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

• Proposals received between March 1 and April 30 will be reviewed by May 31, with responses going out by June 15
  • Proposals received between May 1 and June 30 will be reviewed by July 31, with responses going out by August 15

4. Other Submission Requirements

All application materials must be submitted by email to PASAbujaGrants@state.gov. Questions regarding the applications should also be directed to the same account.

E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

1. Criteria

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

Organisational capacity and record on previous grants: The organisation has expertise in its stated field and PAS is confident of its ability to undertake the program.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

Sustainability: 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. Feedback will be provided to successful applicants. Organisations whose applications will not be funded will also be notified via email.

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 authorising document and it will be provided to the recipient for review and signature by email. The recipient may only start incurring program expenses beginning on the start date shown on the grant award document signed by the Grants Officer.

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

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

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

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 PAS at: PASAbujaGrants@state.gov.

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

H. OTHER INFORMATION

Guidelines for Budget Justification

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

Travel: Estimate the costs of travel and per diem for this program. If the program involves international travel, include a brief statement of justification for that travel.

Equipment: Describe any machinery, furniture, or other personal property that is required for the program, which has a useful life of more than one year (or a life longer than the duration of the program), and costs at least $5,000 per unit.

Supplies: List and describe all the items and materials, including any computer devices, that are needed for the program. If an item costs more than $5,000 per unit, then put it in the budget under Equipment.

Contractual: Describe goods and services that the applicant plans to acquire through a contract with a vendor.  Also describe any sub-awards to non-profit partners that will help carry out the program activities.

Other Direct Costs: Describe other costs directly associated with the program, which do not fit in the other categories. For example, shipping costs for materials and equipment or applicable taxes. All “Other” or “Miscellaneous” expenses must be itemized and explained.

Indirect Costs:  These are costs that cannot be linked directly to the program activities, such as overhead costs needed to help keep the organization operating.  If your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, attach a copy of your latest NICRA. Organizations that have never had a NICRA may request indirect costs of 10% of the modified total direct costs as defined in 2 CFR 200.68.

“Cost Sharing” refers to contributions from the organization or other entities other than the U.S. Embassy.   It also includes in-kind contributions such as volunteers’ time and donated venues.

Alcoholic Beverages:  Please note that award funds cannot be used for alcoholic beverages.