U.S. EMBASSY DAR ES SALAAM, PUBLIC DIPLOMACY SECTION (PDS) 2024 Annual Program Statement A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The U.S. Embassy Dar es Salaam Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) is pleased to announce its Annual Program Statement (APS) for Fiscal Year 2024. Awards will be made up to the listed amount, based on funding availability. Please read this notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) carefully. It outlines PDS funding priorities, the strategic lines of focus, and the procedures for submitting funding proposals. Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF) • This is a funding opportunity for which only U.S. and Tanzanian individuals, nonprofit organizations or academic institutions are eligible. • Alumni of USG programs proposals will be given a priority. • All proposals must include a significant American component, such as (but not limited to) building connections with American experts, organizations, or projects that promote an increased understanding of U.S. policy, perspectives, or culture. • PDS merit review of proposals takes time. While some responses may be received earlier, we intend to inform all applicants of the outcome of this process by October 2024. Program Objectives: Successful proposals will align with the strategic priorities of the U.S. Embassy in Tanzania as defined below. Their overall goal will be to develop and strengthen partnerships and knowledge sharing between Americans and Tanzanians, as well as institutions in both countries. Project activities must take place principally in Tanzania. Proposals that do not have a significant linkage to advancing shared priorities are unlikely to be considered. U.S. Embassy in Tanzania Strategic Priorities and Initiatives Public Campaign Around Civic Rights – This initiative’s objective seeks to execute a multipronged campaign to increase relevant stakeholders' confidence in the importance of increasing government transparency and inclusive decision-making, leading to increased democratic participation of the Tanzanian general public, and a more resilient democracy. Proposals in this area should strengthen and reinforce the practice of democratic principles within Tanzania (such as countering gender-based violence and intolerance of marginalized groups) and/or strengthen the capacity of Tanzanian civil society in fostering democratic values. Support Entrepreneurship to Encourage Investment in Tanzania – This initiative’s goal is to increase support for entrepreneurs that work with women, youth and historically underserved communities by creating connections with American peers and experts to share resources, innovative techniques and other tools to strengthen and grow their businesses while expanding their networks and markets. Improve English Proficiency in Tanzania - With improved English proficiency, youth will have more opportunity to expand their professional network and skills for economic self-sufficiency and growth. Participants and Audiences: Proposals must identify a clearly defined target audience that the project seeks to engage and influence and should specify the changes in attitudes or behaviors the project aims to realize, and how the implementer intends to measure these outcomes. Project activities must principally take place in Tanzania and be directed at Tanzanian audiences. Proposals should reflect the applicant’s proven organizational capacity to implement the activities as outlined. The following types of programs are not eligible for funding: • Programs relating to partisan political activity; • Charitable or development activities; • Construction programs; • Programs that support specific religious activities; • Fund-raising campaigns; • Lobbying for specific legislation or programs; • Scientific research; • Programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization; or • Programs that duplicate existing programs. B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION Length of performance period: 9 to 12 months Number of awards anticipated: 4 - 6 awards (dependent on amounts) Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $10,000 to a maximum of $25,000. Total available funding: $100,000 Type of Funding: Fiscal Year 2024 Public Diplomacy Funding Anticipated programs start date: May 1, 2024. This notice is subject to availability of funding. Issuance of this Notice of Funding Opportunity 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 and award smaller amounts than the full proposal, as deemed appropriate. Funding Instrument Type: Grant, or Cooperative agreement (dependent on the project type). Cooperative agreements are different from grants in that PDS staff are more actively involved in the grant implementation (“Substantial Involvement”). Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 12 months or less. PDS may 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 Public Diplomacy Section encourages applications from U.S. and Tanzania: • Registered not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/nongovernmental organizations with programming experience • Individuals • Non-profit or governmental educational institutions Note: U.S. and Tanzanian NGOs may apply, but preference (through merit review) will be given to Tanzanian NGOs or partnerships that develop capacity with Tanzanian civil society. For-profit or commercial entities are not eligible to apply. 2. Cost Sharing or Matching Cost sharing is not required. 3. Other Eligibility Requirements Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization. If more than one proposal is submitted from an organization, all proposals from that institution will be considered ineligible for funding. In order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a 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. D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION 1. Submission date and time: April 1, 2024 2. Application process: Please prepare a concept paper that describes your project and its intended outcomes and send it to the following email address:
[email protected]. The concept paper, which should be no more than two pages, should be a clear and concise description of the project in plain English: who, what, when, where, and how, as well as a budget estimate (in U.S. dollars). Intended beneficiaries and outcomes should be clearly described for the Merit Review Panel’s assessment. E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION Each technically eligible application will be evaluated and scored by a Merit Review Panel based on the evaluation criteria outlined below: *Clearly articulated and compelling American component *Strong linkages to U.S. Embassy in Tanzania strategic priorities as outlined above *Creativity and innovation in addressing the subject matter *Clearly described and realistic specific activities directly related to achieving the stated goals and objectives of the project. *Demonstrated organizational capability to achieve the outcomes proposed. *Sustainability: Program activities will continue to have positive impact after the end of the program. F. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION 1. Federal Award Notices The grant award or cooperative agreement will be written, signed, awarded, and administered by the Grants Officer. The assistance award agreement is the authorizing document, and it will be provided to the recipient for review and signature by email. The recipient may only start incurring program expenses beginning on the start date shown on the grant award document signed by the Grants Officer. If a proposal is selected for funding, the Department of State has no obligation to provide any additional future funding. Renewal of an award to increase funding or extend the period of performance is at the discretion of the Department of State. Issuance of this NOFO does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the U.S. government, nor does it commit the U.S. government to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of proposals. Further, the U.S. government reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received. Organizations whose applications will not be funded will also be notified via email. 2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements Terms and Conditions: Before submitting an application, applicants should review all the terms and conditions and required certifications which will apply to this award, to ensure that they will be able to comply. 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 Embassy Dar es Salaam Public Diplomacy Section at:
[email protected] 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.