The U.S. Mission to the European Union (USEU) is soliciting proposals for projects aimed at increasing understanding of U.S. foreign policy and economic priorities related to the EU; supporting U.S. goals of advancing economic growth in both regions and worldwide; and furthering U.S.-EU understanding and cooperation on our shared cultural, political and economic values, particularly democracy, rule of law, and human rights. USEU will award several cooperative agreements for projects to be carried out between September 2015 and December 2016. Section I: Funding Opportunity Description The U.S. Mission to the European Union (USEU) Public Affairs Section is soliciting proposals for projects aimed at increasing understanding of U.S. foreign policy and economic priorities; supporting U.S. goals of advancing economic growth in both regions and worldwide; and furthering U.S.-EU understanding and cooperation on our shared cultural, political and economic values, particularly democracy, rule of law, and human rights. Applicants should be legally recognized non-profit, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), think tanks, or academic institutions that comply with U.S. and EU requirements and have a proven track record of developing and implementing programs in the EU environment. This notice of funding opportunity is subject to funds availability. Awards will be granted only if appropriated funds are allocated to the United States Mission to the EU by Department of State central budget authorities. Section II: Federal Award Information USEU Public Affairs Section (USEU PAS) seeks applicants to develop projects aimed at EU policymakers, opinion shapers and publics with the goal of increasing understanding of U.S. foreign policy and economic priorities; supporting U.S. goals of advancing economic growth in both regions and worldwide; and furthering U.S.-EU understanding and cooperation on our shared cultural, political and economic values, particularly democracy, rule of law, and human rights. Projects will bring U.S. experts to Brussels and/or EU Member States (depending on the topic) for public engagement though conferences, seminars, and workshops, as well as social media and traditional media engagements. Projects will focus on priority policy areas as identified by USEU and the partner organization. Awardees will be responsible for speaker recruitment and project development, with input from USEU on key themes and potential target of opportunity speakers. Fund permitting, USEU will award three to six grants or cooperative agreements for projects, with awards ranging from $10,000 to $60,000. Projects are to be carried out between September 2015 and December 2016. Applications for renewals of existing USEU grants and cooperative agreements will be allowed. Proposals may include but are not limited to: conferences, workshops, and seminars featuring U.S. official or non-official experts (though travel costs for official USG representatives cannot be covered); training workshops on areas of mutual priority such as human rights, minority representation, anti-corruption; and exchange programs. Linkage to U.S. policy priorities related to the European Union is essential. We encourage new and creative approaches that utilize digital technology, social media and other innovative means. Recipient’s Role: a. Design and implement a series of programs featuring U.S. experts on USEU priority goals, particularly: o U.S.-EU economic cooperation and growth o U.S.-EU foreign policy and security cooperation, in the EU neighborhood and beyond o U.S.-EU law enforcement and counterterrorism cooperation o U.S.-EU shared values, including democracy, diversity, human rights o U.S. society, culture, and political process b. Recruit U.S. and EU experts for these programs, in consultation with USEU PAS. Programs should seek to reflect the diversity of thought and background in the United States as well as gender balance. c. Manage all logistical arrangements for speaker travel and honorarium, following all guidelines provided by USEU PAS. d. Develop and manage all public outreach events, with input from USEU PAS as needed. e. Provide interim and final reporting to USEU PAS on the use of USG funding and program impact. USEU PAS role: a. Regularly identify priorities for program outreach. b. Approve speakers and specific program elements. c. Provide guidance on allowable uses of USG funds. d. When appropriate, amplify programs through media and social media outreach. e. When appropriate, inform and lead coordination with other U.S. Embassies and Missions of relevant programs. Section III: Award Information Funding types: Cooperative agreements -Minimum (“Floor”) Award: $10,000 -Maximum (“Ceiling) Award: $60,000 Section IV: Eligibility Criteria 1. Applicants must be legally recognized non-profit, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), think tanks, or academic institutions that comply with U.S. and EU requirements. 2. EU-based applicants should be listed in the EU Transparency Register. 3. Cost sharing or matching is not required for this funding opportunity but it is encouraged. 4. All applicants must have a Data Universal Number System (DUNS) number from Dun and Bradstreet and an active SAM registration before award is granted. Section V: Application Submission Applicants must submit a detailed proposal in English and budget estimate electronically to
[email protected] by July 10, 2015, 11:59 p.m. European Central Time (Brussels time, UTC +1 hour). Late or incomplete applications will not be considered for this competition. Costs incurred before the official grant period begins will not be reimbursed. Complete applications must include: -Completed application for Federal Assistance (SF-424): https://statebuy.state.gov/fa/Pages/Forms.aspx -Project description narrative, including goals, target audience, timeline, intended impact, and follow up and evaluation -Detailed budget estimate, in dollars Section VI: Selection Process and Evaluation Criteria Applicants will receive acknowledgement of receipt of their proposal. Applications will be reviewed by USEU Public Affairs with input from subject matter specialists based on the following criteria: -clear link to U.S. policy priorities regarding the EU -potential impact on EU public opinion of U.S. policy priorities -applicant organization’s past experience in successful programming and organizational capacity -strong budget justification -plan for monitoring and evaluating the impact of the program For organizations with past or current awards from USEU, positive performance and timely reporting on previous awards will be taken into account in the review. Applicants will be notified of the review panel results within 90 days after the deadline. Section VII: Award Administration 1. Award notices: The grant or cooperative agreement award shall be written, signed, awarded, and administered by the USEU Grants Officer, who is U.S. government official delegated the authority by the U.S. Department of State Procurement Executive to write, award, and administer grants and cooperative agreements. The assistance award agreement is the authorizing document and will be provided to the recipient. The awardee with interact with a designated Grants Office Representative (GOR). 2. Reporting requirements: All awards issued under this announcement require both program and financial reports on a frequency specified in the award agreement. The disbursement of funds will be tied to the timely submission of these reports. All details related to award administration will be specified in the award agreement. The point of contact for questions or issues related to the administration of the grant/cooperative agreement will be specified in the award agreement.