DRL long-term, core support for proven anti-censorship technologies

DRL long-term, core support for proven anti-censorship technologies is sponsored by U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL). This opportunity supports mission-aligned projects and measurable outcomes.

**United States Department of State****Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL)****Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO):**DRL Supporting Diverse Anti-Censorship Solutions This is the announcement of funding opportunity number **SFOP0008516** **Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number:** 19.

345 **Type of Solicitation:** Open Competition **Application Deadline:**11:59 PM EST on Tuesday, March 15, 2022 **Funding Floor:**$1,000,000 **Funding Ceiling:**$1,000,000 **Anticipated Number of Awards:**1 **Period of Performance:** 2-3 years **Anticipated Time to Award, Pending Availability of Funds:** 9 months ## A.

Project Description The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for **grant support for nascent, developing anti-censorship platforms**.

In support of the U.S. government’s policy to “promote an open, interoperable, reliable, and secure internet that fosters efficiency, innovation, communication, and economic prosperity, while respecting privacy and guarding against disruption, fraud, and theft,” as described in E. O.

13800, DRL supports efforts to enable civil society actors to safely achieve access to the uncensored Internet through a diverse ecosystem of censorship-circumvention applications and platforms, with strong consideration for new and emerging systems providing innovative approaches. DRL invites organizations interested in potential funding to submit proposals outlining program concepts that reflect this goal.

**Priority Regions****:** Global, with a focus on Internet repressive environments. Online censorship has increased dramatically over the last five years. According to Freedom House’s annual _Freedom on the Net_ report, more than two-thirds the world’s Internet users live in a country where the Internet is censored or restricted.

[[1]](https://2021-2025. state. gov/drl-supporting-diverse-anti-censorship-solutions/#Note1) As a result, many human rights defenders, civil society actors, and at-risk and vulnerable populations have come to rely on anti-censorship technologies to access the global Internet.

The diversity and availability of platforms and applications that provide circumvention of network censorship is a crucial need, in order to continue to ensure that individuals living in repressive environments have the resources necessary to exercise their human rights online.

To support the diverse ecosystem of these critical tools, DRL is seeking proposals for multi-year, core support and innovation grants for emerging anti-censorship platforms and applications, ready for deployment and expansion to global audiences, and with reliability, security, and sufficient engineering development to enable a next phase of their implementation.

Through the implementation, promotion, and development of such systems, programs should provide civil society actors and at-risk and vulnerable populations around the world with long-term, reliable, uncensored access to the global Internet.

The anti-censorship tool(s) should have the following attributes/capabilities: * A proven track record of successfully circumventing basic, non-targeted online censorship * Independently verifiable user metrics, including unique monthly users per country, made available to DRL; * Open-sourced components wherever viable; * Use of modular, open-source transport libraries, and a record of contributing improvements back to those libraries; Preference will be given to newer projects seeking to develop the capability of responding rapidly and effectively to active attempts by governments to censor the tool/service and not tools/services that have a longstanding track record of success.

Applicants should also address how this technology is distinct from and/or expands upon other existing anti-censorship tools.

Competitive proposals may include expansion, deployment, or development exemplified by the following types of activities (this list is exemplary, and not exhaustive): * Technological innovation and/or integration of existing modular, open-source censorship/obfuscation transport libraries that increases the robustness, reliability, or responsiveness of anti-censorship features of the platform to allow it to operate in highly censored environments where it could be actively targeted; * Marketing and outreach efforts in support of a significantly increased, global, userbase in actively censored environments; * Deployment of the platform to new target audiences, country contexts, or language groups, by means of localization, outreach, promotion, and/or training; * Improvements to the design and/or deployment model to meet the unique needs of civil society and marginalized populations; * Expansion of deployment infrastructure necessary to accommodate increasing numbers of users in target communities in a cost-effective manner (including, potentially, bandwidth and server costs); * Achievement of elements of a sustainability plan (such as a target number of users) necessary to establish revenue and fiscal support streams beyond the life of the DRL award; * Direct engagement with human rights defenders, civil society actors, and/or at-risk and vulnerable populations in the development of programs to identify and respond to active censorship events.

* Security improvements to the platform (including independent code audits, as necessary); * Expansion of client support to new platforms (mobile, desktop, additional operating systems, etc.). **Key Program Considerations****:** This list of considerations is provided as a guide to help applicants develop responsive, robust program strategies.

* Preference will be given to **open source technologies** with practical deployment and sustainability plans. These technologies are inherently more transparent and re-usable. **All code developed under this award must be open-sourced.

** At the same time, DRL recognizes that anti-censorship tools may at times rely on existing non-publicly disclosed information or code for a small portion of their system. * Due to the focus of this solicitation, preference will be given to **emerging platforms, applications, and tools that have not previously received significant DRL funding.

** * Consistent with DRL’s venture-capital style approach to Internet freedom, projects should have a model for long-term **sustainability** beyond the life of the grant. * DRL encourages applicants to foster **collaborative partnerships**, especially with local organization(s) in target countries and/or regions, where applicable.

Where appropriate, applicants are invited to form consortia for submitting a combined proposal, but the primary organization that is developing and deploying the anti-censorship technology must be the lead (“prime”) applicant. * DRL strives to ensure its programs advance the rights and uphold the dignity of the most **at-risk and vulnerable populations**.

All programs should aim to have impact that leads to reforms and should have the potential for sustainability beyond DRL resources. DRL’s preference is to avoid duplicating past efforts by supporting new and creative approaches. This does not exclude from consideration projects that improve upon or expand existing successful projects in a new and complementary way.

DRL is committed to advancing equity and support for underserved and underrepresented communities.

Programs should seek strategies for integration and inclusion of individuals/organizations/beneficiaries that can bring perspectives based on their religion, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, sex characteristics, national origin, age, genetic information, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, political affiliation, or veteran’s status.

Programs should be demand-driven and locally led to the extent possible.

DRL requires all programs to be non-discriminatory and expects implementers to include strategies for nondiscrimination of individuals/organizations/beneficiaries based on race, color, religion, sex,gender identity,gender expression, sex characteristics,sexual orientation,pregnancy, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, marital status, parental status, political affiliation, or veteran’s status.

Competitive proposals may also include a summary budget and budget narrative for 12 additional months following the proposed period of performance, indicated above. This information should indicate what objective(s) and/or activities could be accomplished with additional time and/or funds beyond the proposed period of performance.

Where appropriate, competitive proposals may include: * Opportunities for beneficiaries to apply their new knowledge and skills in practical efforts; * Solicitation of feedback and suggestions from beneficiaries when developing activities in order to strengthen the sustainability of programs and participant ownership of project outcomes; * Input from participants on sustainability plans and systematic review of the plans throughout the life of the project, with adjustments made as necessary; * Inclusion of vulnerable populations; * Joint identification and definition of key concepts with relevant stakeholders and stakeholder input into project activities; * Systematic follow up with beneficiaries at specific intervals after the completion of activities to track how beneficiaries are retaining new knowledge as well as applying their new skills.

Activities that are **not** typically allowed include, but are not limited to: * The provision of humanitarian assistance; * English language instruction; * Development of high-tech computer or communications software and/or hardware; * Purely academic exchanges or fellowships; * External exchanges or fellowships lasting longer than six months; * Off-shore activities that are not clearly linked to in-country initiatives and impact or are not necessary per security concerns; * Theoretical explorations of human rights or democracy issues, including projects aimed primarily at research and evaluation that do not incorporate training or capacity-building for local civil society; * Micro-loans or similar small business development initiatives; * Initiatives directed towards a diaspora community rather than current residents of targeted countries.

**This notice is subject to availability of funding. ** ## B. Federal Award Information The U.S. government may: (a) reject any or all applications, (b) accept other than the lowest cost application, (c) accept more than one application, and (d) waive irregularities in applications received.

The U.S. government may make award(s) on the basis of initial applications received, without discussions or negotiations. Therefore, each initial application should contain the applicant’s best terms from a cost and technical standpoint.

The U.S. government reserves the right (though it is under no obligation to do so), however, to enter into discussions with one or more applicants in order to obtain clarifications, additional detail, or to suggest refinements in the project description, budget, or other aspects of an application. DRL anticipates awarding either a grant or cooperative agreement depending on the needs and risk factors of the program.

The final determination on award mechanism will be made by the Grants Officer. The distinction between grants and cooperative agreements revolves around the existence of “substantial involvement. ” Cooperative agreements require greater Federal government participation in the project.

If a cooperative agreement is awarded, DRL will undertake reasonable and programmatically necessary substantial involvement.

Examples of substantial involvement can include, but are not limited to: * Active participation or collaboration with the recipient in the implementation of the award; * Review and approval of one stage of work before another can begin; * Review and approval of substantive provisions of proposed sub-awards or contracts beyond existing Federal policy; * Approval of the recipient’s budget or plan of work prior to the award.

The authority for this funding opportunity is found in the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended (FAA). To maximize the impact and sustainability of the award(s) that result from this NOFO, DRL retains the right to execute non-competitive continuation amendment(s). The total duration of any award, including potential non-competitive continuation amendments, shall not exceed 54 months, or four and a half years.

Any non-competitive continuation is contingent on performance and **pending availability of funds. **A non-competitive continuation is not guaranteed, and the Department of State reserves the right to exercise or not to exercise this option. ## C.

Eligibility Information **For application information, please see the proposal submission instructions (PSI), updated December 2021 on our website. ** ### _C.

1 Eligible Applicants_ DRL welcomes applications from U.S.-based and foreign-based non-profit organizations/nongovernment organizations (NGO) and public international organizations; private, public, or state institutions of higher education; and for-profit organizations or businesses. DRL’s preference is to work with non-profit entities; however, there may be some occasions when a for-profit entity is best suited.

Applications submitted by for-profit entities may be subject to additional review following the panel selection process. Additionally, the Department of State prohibits profit to for-profit or commercial organizations under its assistance awards. Profit is defined as any amount in excess of allowable direct and indirect costs.

The allowability of costs incurred by commercial organizations is determined in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) at 48 CFR 30, Cost Accounting Standards Administration, and 48 CFR 31 Contract Cost Principles and Procedures. Please see 2 CFR 200. 307 for regulations regarding program income.

### _C. 2 Cost Sharing or Matching_ Providing cost sharing, matching, or cost participation is not an eligibility factor or requirement for this NOFO and providing cost share will not result in a more favorable competitive ranking.

Applicants should have existing, or the capacity to develop, active partnerships with thematic or in-country partners, entities, and relevant stakeholders, including private sector partners and NGOs, and have **demonstrable experience** in administering successful and preferably similar projects. DRL encourages applications from foreign-based NGOs headquartered in the geographic regions/countries relevant to this NOFO.

Applicants may **form consortia** in order to bring together organizations with varied expertise to propose a comprehensive program in one proposal. However, one organization should be designated in the proposal as the lead applicant, with the other members designated as sub-award partners.

DRL reserves the right to request additional background information on applicants that do not have previous experience administering federal grant awards, and these applicants may be subject to limited funding on a pilot basis. DRL is committed to an **anti-discrimination** policy in all of its projects and activities.

DRL welcomes applications irrespective of race, ethnicity, color, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or other status.

DRL seeks applications that demonstrate that the recipient does not discriminate against any beneficiaries in implementation of a potential award, such as, but not limited to, by withholding, adversely impacting, or denying equitable access to the benefits provided through this award on the basis of any factor not expressly stated in the award.

This includes, for example, race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity,gender expression, sex characteristics,sexual orientation, and pregnancy),national origin, disability, age, genetic information, marital status, parental status, political affiliation, or veteran’s status. The recipient should insert this provision, including this paragraph, in all sub-grants and contracts under a potential award.

Any applicant listed on the Excluded Parties List System in the System for Award Management (SAM. gov) (www. sam.

gov) and/or has a current debt to the U.S. government 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 or person listed on the Excluded Parties List System in SAM.

gov can participate in any activities under an award. All applicants are strongly encouraged to review the Excluded Parties List System in SAM. gov to ensure that no ineligible entity or person is included in their application.

## D. Application and Submission Information ### _D. 1_ _Address to Request Application Package_ Applicants can find application forms, kits, or other materials needed to apply on www.

grants. gov and SAMS Domestic (https://mygrants. servicenowservices.

com) under the announcement title “DRL Supporting Diverse Anti-Censorship Solutions,” funding opportunity number “SFOP0008516. ”**Although solicitation details will be available via SAMS Domestic, please note that all applications in response to this NOFO must be submitted via****www. grants.

gov****. **Please contact the DRL point of contact listed in Section G if requesting reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities or for security reasons. Please note that reasonable accommodations do not include deadline extensions.

### _D. 2_ _Content and Form of Application Submission_ For all application documents, please ensure: * All documents are in English and all costs are in U.S. Dollars. If an original document within the application is in another language, an English translation must be provided (please note the Department of State, as indicated in 2 CFR 200.

111, requires that English is the official language of all award documents). If any document is provided in both English and a foreign language, the English language version is the controlling version; * All pages are numbered, including budgets and attachments; * All documents are formatted to 8 ½ x 11 paper; and, * All documents are single-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font, with 1-inch margins.

Captions and footnotes may be 10-point Times New Roman font. Font sizes in charts and tables, including the budget, can be reformatted to fit within 1 page width. ### _D.

2. 1 Application Requirements_ Complete applications must include the following: 1. Completed and signed **SF-424**,**SF-424A**, and **SF-424B** Please see SF-424 instructions in Section 2B of the PSI.

2. Organizations that engage in lobbying the U.S. government, including Congress, or pay for another entity to lobby on their behalf, are also required to complete the **SF-LLL** “Disclosure of Lobbying Activities” form (**only if applicable**). Please see SF-LLL guidance in Section 2B of the PSI.

3. **Cover Page** (not to exceed one (1) page, preferably as a Word Document) that includes a table with the organization name, project title, target country/countries, project synopsis, and name and contact information for the application’s main point of contact. Please see _Cover Page_ Section 2C of the PSI for a template and more details.

4. **Executive Summary** (not to exceed one (1) page, preferably as a Word Document) that outlines project goals, objectives, activities, etc. * **The****Executive Summary****should include a brief section that explicitly states: (1) the problem statement addressed by the project, (2) research-based evidence justifying the unique project approach, and (3) quantifiable project outcomes and impacts. ** 5.

**Table of Contents** (not to exceed one (1) page, preferably as a Word Document) listing all documents and attachments with page numbers. 6. **Proposal Narrative** (not to exceed ten (10) pages, preferably as a Word Document).

Please note the ten-page limit **does not include** the Cover Page, Executive Summary, Table of Contents, Attachments, Detailed Budget, Budget Narrative, Audit, or NICRA. Applicants are encouraged to combine multiple documents into a single Word Document or PDF (i.e. Cover Page, Table of Contents, Executive Summary, and Proposal Narrative in one file). Please see _Proposal Narrative Guidelines_ in Section 2F of the PSI for more details.

* The Proposal Narrative should demonstrate the applicant’s commitment to ensuring the participation of all people as a strategy for implementation. Please integrate inclusion strategies in all sections of the Proposal Narrative to enhance programmatic impact. 7.

**Budget** (preferably as an Excel workbook) that includes three (3) columns containing the request to DRL, any cost sharing contribution, and the total budget. A summary budget should also be included using the OMB-approved budget categories (see SF-424A as a sample) in a separate tab. Costs must be in U.S. Dollars.

Detailed line-item budgets for sub-grantees should be included as additional tabs within the Excel workbook (if available at the time of submission). Please see _Budget Guidelines_ Section 2G of the PSI for more information. * The programming approach should be dedicated to strengthening inclusive societies as a necessary pillar of strong democracies.

Please include costs associated with this commitment in the Budget and Budget Narrative. * Competitive proposals may include a summary budget for 12 additional months following the proposed period of performance. 8.

**Budget Narrative** (preferably as a Word Document) that includes substantive explanations and justifications for each line item in the detailed budget spreadsheet, as well as the source and a description of all cost-share offered. Please see _Budget Guidelines_ Section 2G of the PSI for more information.

* Competitive proposals may include a summary budget narrative for 12 additional months following the proposed period of performance. 9. The organization’s most recent **audit**, if applicable.

This should be a single audit, program-specific audit, or other audit in accordance with Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS). Please see _Audit_ Section 2H of the PSI for more information. 10.

**Logic Model** (preferably as a Word Document). Please see _Logic Model_ Section 2I of the PSI for more information. 11.

**Monitoring and Evaluation Narrative** (not to exceed four (4) pages, preferably as a Word Document). Please see _Monitoring and Evaluation Narrative_ Section 2J of the PSI for more information. * As stated within the DRL Guide to Program Monitoring and Evaluation (p.

6): DRL strongly encourages applicants to consider whether their monitoring and evaluation systems are utilizing human rights-based approaches, applying a gender and equity lens, or include the participation of sub-grantees and project participants.

Within the Monitoring and Evaluation Narrative, applicants should demonstrate their commitment to inclusive strategies and consider whether evaluation design, data collection, analysis, reporting and learning are conducted in an ethical and responsible way with all project participants (e.g. direct beneficiaries, sub-grantees).

Applicants should still make adequate provisions to protect the privacy of human subjects when collecting data from individuals. For instance, when collecting data from project participants, consider whether your organization will have the necessary informed consent forms, confidentiality agreements, and data security protocols. 12.

**Monitoring and Evaluation Plan** (preferably as a Word Document or Excel Sheet). Please see _Monitoring and Evaluation Plan_ Section 2J of the PSI for more information. 13.

**Risk Analysis** (preferably as a Word Document). Please see _Risk Analysis_ Section 2K of the PSI for more information on this requirement, including Do No Harm principles and Preventing Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) policies/plans. 14.

**Key Personnel** (not to exceed two (2) pages, preferably as a Word Document). Please include short bios that highlight relevant professional experience. Given the limited space, CVs are not recommended for submission.

15. **Timeline** (not to exceed one (1) page, preferably as a Word Document or Excel Sheet). The timeline of the overall proposal should include activities, evaluation efforts, and program closeout.

16. **Gender and Inclusion Analysis** (not to exceed three (3) pages, preferably as a Word Document) that provides a concise analysis of relevant gender norms, equity and equality for underserved communities and marginalized populations, power relations, and conflict dynamics in target countries.

Potential domains of analysis include institutional practices and barriers, cultural norms, gender roles, access to and control over assets and resources, and patterns of decision-making.

Applicants should briefly explain how they have integrated findings from their analysis into project design and/or other proposal documents, including a plan for regularly reviewing and updating the gender and inclusion analysis with local partners/beneficiaries, and making any necessary adjustments to program implementation. A set of guiding questions can be found in Section 2L of the PSI. 17.

**Country Activity Table** that provides precise detail on types of activities within intended target countries under the program proposed, not to exceed one (1) page. This should take the form of the following table. Any and all countries applicable to any category relevant to the program’s implementation should be included.

**Category****[Definition]****Countries** A. Countries with Direct (In-Country) Activities[Countries in which direct activities will take place under this program, with prime grantee’s operations, staff, and (potentially) engagement with beneficiaries operating there.] B.

Countries Targeted with Remote Activities via Local Partnerships[Countries in which the prime grantee does not itself intend to directly operate under this program, but in which it will maintain engagements with partners. These engagements are contractual, and involve money (subawards or subcontracts), and are predetermined (outlined in the proposal).] C.

Countries Targeted with Remote Activities via Ad-Hoc (or Potential) Local Partnerships[Countries in which the prime grantee does not itself intend to directly operate under this program, but in which it will maintain engagements with partners.

These engagements are contractual, and involve money, but are ad hoc (example: competition run in-country, such as a small grants program, where subaward recipients are not determined at the time of the grant award).] D.

Countries Targeted with Remote Activities for Local Beneficiaries (Non-Financial, Predetermined)[Countries in which the prime grantee does not itself intend to directly operate under this program, but in which it will provide support services / resources / other engagements to a predetermined set of groups in the target country (example: online training for a pre-selected group in a target country, or research with a marginalized group).]

E. Countries Targeted with Remote Activities for Local Beneficiaries (Ad-hoc)[Countries in which the prime grantee will provide a remote training or engagement (online or out of country) that is public or semi-public, where attendees are not pre-determined (example: an online training open for anyone to attend, targeted to a broad group in a given country).] F.

Countries Targeted with Remote Activities to Provide Service / Technology Broadly[Countries or regions targeted by a prime grantee for the development of a technology or a remote service, but without a plan to engage with local users directly. This may include marketing, online distribution, or localization of a technology in the target country’s language.] G.

Countries of Potential Impact For Service / Technology[Countries or regions that could be impacted by the technology or service developed by the prime grantee, though the country is not directly targeted. Technology or resource is distributed by natural diffusion (word of mouth, etc.)] 18.

**Burma Due Diligence Assessment** (not to exceed one (1) page, preferably in Microsoft Word) that outlines existing organizational practices for vetting program beneficiaries and capacity to conduct due diligence vetting as outlined in the solicitation. **** **Applications that do not include the elements listed above will be deemed technically ineligible. ** ### _D.

2. 2 Additional Application Documents_ Strong applications will also contain the following: * Individual Letters of Support and/or Memorandum of Understanding. Letters of support and MOUs must be specific to the project implementation (e.g. from proposed partners or sub-award recipients) and will not count towards the page limit.

**_Please refer to the Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI), updated December 2021, on DRL’s website for detailed guidance on the documents above:_****_https://2021-2025. state. gov/bureau-of-democracy-human-rights-and-labor/programs-and-grants/_****_.

For an application checklist and sample templates please see the Resources page on DRL’s website:_****_https://2021-2025. state. gov/resources-for-programs-and-grants/_****_.

_****_The sample templates provided on the DRL website are suggested, but not mandatory. _** DRL reserves the right to request additional documents not included in this NOFO. Additionally, to ensure that all applications receive a balanced evaluation, the DRL review panel will review from the first page of each section up to the page limit and no further.

Note: If ultimately provided with a notification of non-binding intent to make a Federal award, applicants typically have two to three weeks to provide additional information and documents requested in the notification of intent. The deadlines may vary in each notification of intent and applicants must adhere to the stated deadline in the notification of intent. ### _D.

2.

3 Additional Information Requested For Those Receiving Notification of Intent_ Successful applicants must submit, after notification of intent to make a Federal award, but prior to issuance of a Federal award: * Written responses and revised application documents addressing conditions and recommendations from the DRL review panel; * A copy of the applicant’s latest NICRA as a PDF file, if the applicant has a NICRA and includes NICRA charges in the budget; * A completed copy of the Department’s Financial Management Survey, if receiving DRL funding for the first time; * Submission of required documents to register in the Payment Management System managed by the Department of Health and Human Services, if receiving DRL funding for the first time (unless an exemption is provided); * Other requested information or documents included in the notification of intent to make a Federal award or subsequent communications prior to issuance of a Federal award; * Applicants who submit their applications through Grants.

gov will be required to create a SAMS Domestic account in order to accept the final award. Accounts must be logged into to every 60 days in order to maintain an active account. ### _D.

3 Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM)_ All prime organizations, whether based in the United States or in another country, must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), formerly referred to as DUNS, and an active registration with the SAM. gov **before submitting an application**. DRL may **not** review applications from or make awards to applicants that have not completed all applicable UEI and SAM.

gov requirements. 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 the award is processed and/or directed to a sub-grantee. **_Note: The process of obtaining 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), a Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code, 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 NATO CAGE (NCAGE) code and UEI number prior to registering in SAM. gov. All prime organizations must also continue to maintain active SAM.

gov registration with current information at all times during which they have an active Federal award or application under consideration by a Federal award agency. SAM. gov requires all entities to renew their registration once a year in order to maintain an active registration status in SAM.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure it has an active registration in SAM. gov and to maintain that active registration. If an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements at the time of application, the applicant may be deemed technically ineligible to receive an award and use that determination as a basis for making an award to another applicant.

For further guidance on the registration process, please see the SAM. gov Registration Guide on DRL’s website:https://2021-2025. state.

gov/resources-for-programs-and-grants/. Please refer to 2 CFR 25. 200 for additional information.

Also, please refer to Section D. 5 – Funding Restriction of the NOFO. **Note: SAM.

gov is not the same as SAMS Domestic. It is free to register in****both systems****, but the****registration processes are different**. **_Information is included on the SAM.

gov website to help international registrations, including “Quick Start Guide for International Registrations” and “Helpful Hints. ” Navigate to www. SAM.

gov, click “HELP” in the top navigation bar, then click “International Registrants” in the left navigation panel. Please note, guidance on SAM. gov and the guidance on GSA’s website about requirement for registering in SAM.

gov is subject to change. Applicants should review the website for the most up-to-date guidance. _** An exemption from these 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.

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