This call for project proposals is now closed.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
U.S. EMBASSY PODGORICA
Notice of Funding Opportunity
Funding Opportunity Title: Public Affairs Office Grants Program 2019
Deadline for Applications: May 24, 2019
CFDA Number: 19.040
This notice is subject to availability of funding.
APPLICATION SUBMISSION INFORMATION:
- Applications are due no later than May 24, 2019.
- All application materials and/or questions should be e-mailed to PodgoricaGrants@state.gov.
- Use the recommended Application Form and make sure to follow Application Guidelines (150kb). Applications that do not meet these requirements will be considered ineligible for funding.
- Applicants can 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
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The U.S. Embassy Podgorica / Public Affairs Office of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a program to address one of the priority areas stated below. Please carefully follow all instructions below.
Program Objectives:
The United States Embassy in Podgorica supports specific projects and initiatives on the topics listed below through awards ranging from $5,000 to $10,000.
This year’s topics should include the following:
- Women’s Advocacy and Empowerment
- Youth Empowerment through Educational Initiatives
- Community Engagement*
- Civil Justice Reform**
- Social Entrepreneurship***
- U.S.-Montenegrin Relations through Arts
* The U.S. Embassy encourages local projects to better Montenegrin communities. While topics may vary, successful proposals should identify how the applicant will mobilize local communities to address local challenges.
** The U.S. Embassy encourages projects that (1) identify obstacles to judicial expediency in civil cases (e.g. the commercial court and other civil forums) and (2) provide recommendations/actions to address those challenges.
*** Successful social entrepreneurship projects will propose solutions to community-based challenges. Entrepreneurs seeking funding for commercial efforts need not apply.
Grants are awarded to Montenegro based non-governmental organizations (NGOs), to U.S. alumni, and other organizations that have displayed trustworthiness.
FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION
Length of performance period: 6 to 12 months
Award amounts: Awards may range from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $10,000
Funding Instrument Type: Grant
ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION
Eligible Applicants
The following foreign organizations from Montenegro are eligible to apply:
- Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations
- U.S. Alumni
- Other organizations that have displayed trustworthiness
Other Eligibility Requirements
In order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a unique entity identifier (Data Universal Numbering System/DUNS number from Dun & Bradstreet), as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov. Please see Section D.5 for information on how to obtain these registrations.
APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION
Application form required below can downloaded from the Embassy’s website.
Content of Application
Please ensure:
- The proposal clearly addresses one or more of the topics of this funding opportunity
- All documents are in English
- All budgets are in U.S. dollars
- You use the recommended Application Form, and carefully follow Application Guidelines.
- Present the budget in the form of a spreadsheet, in USD amounts
ATTACHMENTS:
- Detailed budget (follow Application Guidelines). In addition to a project’s budget proposal, use a separate sheet of paper to describe each of the budget expenses in detail.
- 1-page CV or resume of key personnel who are proposed for the program
- Organization registration papers
REQUIRED REGISTRATIONS:
All organizations applying for grants (except individuals) must obtain a DUNS number and an NGAGE number and must also register with SAM.gov. Prior to submitting a grant application, organizations must apply for a DUNS number and an NGAGE number.
Step 1: Apply for a DUNS number and an NCAGE number (these can be completed simultaneously)
DUNS application: Organizations must have a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number from Dun & Bradstreet. If your organization does not have one already, you may obtain one by calling 1-866-705-5711 or visiting 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
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.gov by logging onto: https://www.sam.gov. SAM registration must be renewed annually.
Any applicant listed on the Excluded Parties List System (EPLS) in the System for Award Management (SAM) is not eligible to apply for an assistance award in accordance with the OMB guidelines at 2 CFR 180 that implement Executive Orders 12549 (3 CFR, 1986 Comp., p. 189) and 12689 (3 CFR, 1989 Comp., p. 235), “Debarment and Suspension.” Additionally, no entity listed on the EPLS can participate in any activities under an award. All applicants are strongly encouraged to review the EPLS in SAM to ensure that no ineligible entity is included.
FUNDING RESTRICTIONS
Funds may not be used for alcohol, entertainment, or “miscellaneous” costs;
Funds may only be used for food expenses under special circumstances. When these costs cannot be supported by cost share, they should be clearly justified and limited to a maximum of five percent of the total award amount. This includes expenses associated with individual per diems for grant-related activities;
Salaries, overhead, equipment, and other administrative expenses are allowable only as they relate to specific project activities. Salary or honoraria should be listed according to rate of pay and percentage of time spent on program-related activities. While salary expenses are permissible for indigenous personnel, payment of honoraria and other expenses for foreign experts will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis;
More than one proposal submitted by an organization;
Projects relating to partisan political activity;
Conferences and individual trips abroad;
Charitable activity and humanitarian aid;
Fund-raising campaigns;
Direct social services to populations;
Commercial projects;
Scientific research;
Those that duplicate existing projects.
APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION
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 – 10 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 – 15 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.
Impact – 15 points: The extent to which the project will produce an impact in MNE.
REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS
A Grants Review Committee will evaluate all eligible applications and will contact the applicants in case of any follow up questions.
Applicants will receive e-mail notification when and if selected for the final review.
FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION
Federal Award Notices
The grant award 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: Dynamics of grant payments would be discussed with grant recipients individually, and once agreed upon they will be stated in the award document.
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: PodgoricaGrants@state.gov.
