NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTINUTY: Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Program

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
U.S. EMBASSY BAMAKO

Notice of Funding Opportunity

Funding Opportunity Title: Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Program

Deadline for Applications: May 31, 2023

Assistance Listing Number: 19.220

Maximum for each Award: $10,000

This notice is subject to availability of funding.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The U.S. Embassy in Bamako, Mali announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out projects through the Ambassador’s Special Self-Help (SSH) Small Grants Program.

Program Objectives:

The Ambassador’s Special Self-Help (SSH) Program is a grassroots grant assistance program that allows U.S. embassies to support local requests for small community-based development projects. The purpose of the SSH Program is to support communities through modest grants that will have a positive impact on local communities. Equally important, the SSH Program is structured to encourage communities to be self-reliant and undertake similar community development activities in the future.

Participants and Audience:

All participants must be registered Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs) and have been in operation for at least one year to be eligible for funding. Proposals are welcome from community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, and non-governmental organizations that work directly with communities.

FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Program Performance Period: Up to one (1) year

Number of awards anticipated: Up to ten (10) awards (dependent on amounts)

Award amounts: Awards may range from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $10,000.

Type of Funding: Economic Support Funds under the Foreign Assistance Act

Anticipated program start date: October 1, 2023

Funding Instrument Type: Fixed amount award (FAA).

ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION

Eligible Applicants

Registered not-for-profit organizations, including civil society/non-governmental organizations.
Established, registered grassroots community-based organizations and faith-based organization.
For-profit commercial entities and individuals are not eligible to apply.

Cost Sharing or Matching

Local involvement of the organization or group must be at least 10% in cash or in kind of the total project costs. The applicant’s contribution of funding may be crucial to make a choice between two viable applicants. The local contributions can be in cash or in-kind. In-kind contributions can include labor (e.g., wages of masons and workers), food, accommodation for qualified labor, construction materials, fencing, water supply, transportation costs, or donations of other materials.

Other Eligibility Requirements

All organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number issued via SAM.gov as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov prior to receipt of the award. Please see Section D.3 for more information.
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. If you submitted an unsolicited application prior to the publication of this Notice of Funding Opportunity, you must re-submit your application to be considered for funding.

APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

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.

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 documents are single-spaced, 12-point Calibri font, with 1-inch margins.

The following documents are required:

Mandatory application forms

SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance – organizations)

Link to form here: SF424

SF-424A(Budget Information for Non-Construction programs)

Link to form here: SF424A

SF-424B(Assurances for Non-Construction programs)

Link to form here: SF424B

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 (5 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 of the Organization: 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: 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 percentage of their time will be used in support of this program?
Program Partners/Sub-Awardees: List the names and type of involvement of key partner organizations and sub-awardees, if applicable.
Program Monitoring and Evaluation Plan: 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 to sustain the program.

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.
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)

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.
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 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.

Submission Deadline

Applications are due no later than May 31, 2023.

Funding Restrictions

Any cost incurred in preparation of your proposal or in advance of an award will not be reimbursed.

Other Submission Requirements

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

Once proposals are received, the Political and Economic Section will acknowledge receipt via email. All applicants will be notified of the status of their proposals after the review process is completed.

APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

Criteria

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

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.

Organizational Capacity and Record on Previous Grants: 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: Goals and objectives are clearly stated, and program approach is likely to provide maximum impact in achieving the proposed results.

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 ability 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.

Review and Selection Process

The Political and Economic Section will conduct a preliminary review of all applications to determine completeness. If the proposal does not meet the funding guidelines, the applicant will be informed. If the proposal meets the criteria and after the grants committee selects it among the finalists, the Grants Coordinator will follow up with the applicant to discuss the proposal and review the organization’s capacity. All projects eligible for funding are then reviewed by a panel, which will evaluate all eligible/complete applications and recommend funding priorities to the Ambassador for final approval. The Political and Economic Section will notify each applicant about the status of their proposal.

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.

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 by electronic funds transfer in at least one advance, as needed to carry out the project activities and based on agreed milestones.

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. Below are links of the 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).

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.

FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS

If you have any questions about the grant application process, please contact the Political and Economic Section at: BamakoEcon@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 will not discuss this competition with applicants until the entire proposal review process is completed.

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.

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 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.

By U.S. Mission Mali | 3 April, 2023 | Topics: Embassy, News, Notification, U.S. & Mali | Tags: funding 2023, Grants, notice of funding, opportunities, PAS Small Grants