DRL Open Competition for LGBTQI+ Communities

DRL Open Competition for LGBTQI+ Communities is sponsored by U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL). This competition seeks applications for projects that provide lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) communities with tools to empower local movements, prevent violence and discrimination, promote social inclusion, or address critical justice issues.

**United States Department of State****Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL)****Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)** DRL will 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.

**This notice is subject to availability of funding. **The authority for this funding opportunity is found in the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended (FAA).

DRL announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for programs that provide LGBTQI+ individuals and communities with the tools to prevent, mitigate and recover from violence and restrictions on human rights and fundamental freedoms, eliminate laws which criminalize LGBTQI+ status and/or conduct, and in other ways advance protection of human rights in alignment with the strategic framework of the Global Equality Fund.

LGBTQI+ persons around the world experience threats to exercising their human rights and fundamental freedoms, including of assembly, expression, and association.

Through its Human Rights Reports, including the 2023 Reports, the Department highlights actions by governments to restrict these fundamental freedoms, such as through the use of foreign funding laws, onerous regulations of civil society, official designations of LGBTQI+ civil society as “terrorists” and “extremists,” and invasive surveillance and targeting that undermines civil society.

LGBTQI+ persons and human rights defenders are also targeted with violence and harassment by state and non-state actors, with evidence from governments and civil society documented in the Human Rights Reports.

Successful proposals will be funded by the resources of the Global Equality Fund, a public-private partnership including the governments of Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Montenegro, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Uruguay and the United States, as well as Booking. com, the John D.

Evans Foundation, Deloitte LLP, the Royal Bank of Canada, Hilton, Bloomberg LP, Thomson Reuters Foundation TrustLaw Initiative, and Out Leadership.

DRL invites organizations to submit proposals that respond to the Global Equality Fund’s strategic framework, which includes but is not limited to the following areas: * **Freedom from Violence:** LGBTQI+ individuals, organizations and communities are safe and secure from all forms of violence, including threats, intimidation, harassment, abuse, sexual violence, and psychological or physical harm.

Objectives may include, but are not limited to: increased capacity to document and advocate against violence and other violations of human rights targeting LGBTQI+ persons, as well as investigation processes (or lack thereof); increased and proactive engagement from national and local authorities, including police and other law enforcement agencies, to prevent, mitigate, or respond to violence targeting LGBTQI+ persons; increased protection, safety and support for LGBTQI+ persons and their advocates at risk of violence or who have experienced violence, including sexual violence and hate crimes; and, establishment of or support to broad-based advocacy coalitions.

* **Access to Justice:** Civil society works to ensure that equal protection under the law is extended to the LGBTQI+ community, and that the rule of law is fairly and consistently implemented and enforced.

Objectives may include, but are not limited to: increased efforts by government to repeal, reform and replace legislation and policies that criminalize LGBTQI+ conduct and/or status; improved capacity of judicial officials, lawyers, and CSOs to leverage existing domestic and international legal frameworks and multilateral institutions to protect the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons; improved efforts to hold accountable perpetrators of violence and human rights abuses against LGBTQI+ persons; increased redress for grievances for LGBTQI+ persons; and, increased access to secure and competent legal services.

* **Empowered & Inclusive Movements & Organizations:** The LGBTQI+ community – alongside other grassroots human rights movements –secures fundamental rights of freedom of association, expression, and assembly.

Objectives may include, but are not limited to: increased ability to publicly and collectively express, communicate and defend the common interests of the LGBTQI+ community; increased shared strategies and understanding within LGBTQI+ communities; improved outreach and communication with broader human rights movements, allied communities and other key stakeholders; strengthened LGBTQI+ movements and leadership that reflect the diversity of the community; increased engagement and collaboration between LGBTQI+ individuals and organizations to promote human rights; increased development and use of evidence-based strategies; strengthened well-being practices for all stakeholders; strengthened communication and messaging capability; and, strong and strategic financial and organizational management.

* **Social Inclusion:** The human rights of LGBTQI+ persons is affirmed and protected, and the community is included in democratic institutions and processes as well as economic and human development as equal members of society in line with guidance such as the Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda.

Objectives may include, but are not limited to: increased repect for the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons from community leaders and broader society; improved and accurate media (social and traditional) reporting to increase awareness of the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons; and increased recognition of the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons and engagement from faith and business communities, as well as other key stakeholders.

Other objectives which support the broad goals reflected above may also be considered. Additionally, strong proposals are guided by the following cross-cutting issues: **Locally-led:** “Nothing about us without us. ” Projects should be led by or have strong support from and participation by local LGBTQI+ organizations and communities.

They should substantively involve local organizations, focus on activities at the local and community level, and make grants or sub-grants to local organizations where possible. Proposals should include sub-granting mechanisms to local LGBTQI+ organizations equal to, at a minimum, 30% of the proposed Total Direct Costs. ## B.

Eligibility Information **For application information, please see the proposal submission instructions (PSI), updated December 2024 on our website. ** ### B.

1 Eligible Applicants The following organizations are eligible to apply: * Foreign-based non-profit organizations/nongovernment organizations (NGO); * U.S.-based non-profit organizations/NGOs with or without 501(c)(3) status; * Public International Organizations; * Private, public, or state institutions of higher education; * 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 from for-profit entities may be subject to additional review following the panel selection process. The Department of State does not allow for-profit or commercial organizations to make a profit from its assistance awards.

Profit is defined as any amount more than allowable direct and indirect costs. The allowability of costs for commercial organizations is determined by the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) at 48 CFR 30, Cost Accounting Standards Administration, and 48 CFR 31 Contract Cost Principles and Procedures. ### B.

2 Cost Sharing or Matching Providing cost sharing, matching, or cost participation is not required for this NOFO and will not improve competitive ranking of an application. According to 2 CFR 200. 306, any budget items proposed for cost share must be allowable per 2 CFR 200, Subpart E—Cost Principles.

### B. 3 Other Eligibility Requirements Primary applicants can submit **one application** in response to the NOFO. If more than one application is submitted by a primary applicant, only the first application submitted and time-stamped by Grants.

gov or MyGrants will be reviewed for eligibility. All programs should aim to have **impact that leads to reforms** and the **potential for sustainability** beyond DRL resources. Programs should be driven by local needs and **led by local communities** to the extent possible.

Applicants should have, or be able to develop, active partnerships with thematic or local partners, entities, and relevant partners, including private sector partners and NGOs. Applicants should also have **proven experience** in managing successful and preferably similar projects. DRL encourages applications from foreign-based NGOs located in the regions or countries relevant to this NOFO.

Applicants may **form consortia** to combine different expertise into one comprehensive proposal. However, only one organization can be designated as the prime applicant, while the remaining organizations must be designated as partners or sub-awardees. The prime applicant must meet the eligibility criteria listed above.

DRL may ask for more background information from applicants without previous federal grant experience, and these applicants might receive limited funding on a trial basis. DRL is committed to an **anti-discrimination** policy in all its programs and activities. DRL welcomes applications regardless of race, ethnicity, color, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or other status.

DRL looks for applications that show the recipient does not discriminate against any beneficiaries when implementing a potential award and expects implementers to include proactive strategies for nondiscrimination of people and organizations. This means not withholding, negatively affecting, or denying equitable access to the benefits of the award based on any factor not stated in the award.

This includes 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 status. The recipient should insert this provision, including this paragraph, in all sub-grants and contracts under a potential award.

Proposals that do not address the needs of these groups will be considered unresponsive. ## C. Program Description ### C.

1 Goals and Objectives The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) announces an open competition for organizations interested in implementing programs that provide LGBTQI+ individuals and communities with the tools to prevent, mitigate and recover from violence and restrictions on human rights and fundamental freedoms, eliminate laws which criminalize LGBTQI+ status and/or conduct, and in other ways advance protection of human rights in alignment with the strategic framework of the Global Equality Fund.

Activities that are **not** typically allowed include, but are not limited to: * Activities that repeat or significantly overlap with existing activities without providing a clear, additional benefit to program beneficiaries; * Provision of humanitarian aid; * English language instruction; * Development of advanced computer or communications software and/or hardware; * Purely academic exchanges or fellowships; * External exchanges or fellowships lasting longer than six months; * Activities conducted outside the target country that are not clearly connected to local initiatives and impact, or are not necessary due to security concerns; * Theoretical studies of human rights or democracy issues, including programs focused mainly on research and evaluation without training or capacity-building for local civil society; * Micro-loans or similar small business development initiatives.

### C. 2 Substantial Involvement DRL plans to award either a grant or cooperative agreement based on the program’s needs and risks. The Grants Officer will make a final determination on the type of award.

The main difference between grants and cooperative agreements is the level of “substantial involvement” by the federal government. Cooperative agreements require more Federal government participation. If a cooperative agreement is awarded, DRL will be significantly involved as needed.

Examples of this involvement include, but are not limited to: * Actively participating or collaborating with the recipient in carrying out the award; * Reviewing and approving one stage of work before the next can begin; * Reviewing and approving key provisions of proposed sub-awards or contracts beyond existing Federal policy; * Approving the recipient’s work plan before the award is final. ## D.

Application Contents and Format 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. ### D.

1 Content and Form of Application Submission * 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; * All documents are single-spaced, 12-point Calibri font, with 1-inch margins. Captions and footnotes may be 10-point Calibri font.

Font sizes in charts and tables, including the budget, can be reformatted to fit within one page width; and, * All documents are accessible to those who use screen readers, including alternative text for images. ### D. 2 Application Requirements The following documents are **required**: 1.

**Mandatory Application Forms:** Completed and signed **SF-424**,**SF-424A**, and **SF-424B** forms. Please see SF-424 instructions in Section 2B of the PSI. 2.

**Proposal:** The proposal should contain sufficient information that anyone not familiar with it would understand exactly what the applicant wants to do. Applicants may use their own proposal format, but **it must include all the items below**. 1.

**Cover Page** (no more than page, preferably as a Word Document) that includes a table with the following information: * * Organization name of the prime applicant; * Target country/countries; * Name and contact information for the main point of contact. Please see _Cover Page_ Section 2C of the PSI for a template and more details. 1.

* **Executive Summary** (no more than one page, preferably as a Word Document) that outlines program goals, objectives, and activities. The Executive Summary should include a brief section that explicitly states: * The problem the program addresses; * Research-based evidence that supports the unique approach of the program; * Measurable program outcomes and impacts. **** 1.

* **Table of Contents** (no more than one page, preferably as a Word Document) listing all documents and attachments with page numbers. * **Proposal Narrative** (no more than ten pages, preferably as a Word Document). 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 must show the applicant’s commitment to ensuring the participation of all people in the program.

Inclusion strategies should be included in all sections of the Proposal Narrative to improve program impact. * **Psychosocial Assistance**(to be included the ten pages allowed for Proposal Narrative, and in the Budget and Budget Narrative). Include a section in the Proposal, Budget, and Budget Narrative for appropriate resources and support for the psychosocial health of staff.

This can include access to educational materials, training opportunities, counseling services, or other relevant support). * References: For international guidance, please see the following: Core Humanitarian Standard Commitment 8. 9 (https://www.

corehumanitarianstandard. org/the-standard#:~:text=The%20CHS%20sets%20out%20nine%20commitments%20to%20ensure%20that); and IASC Guidelines on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings Action Sheet 4. 4 (https://interagencystandingcommittee.

org/iasc-task-force-mental-health-and-psychosocial-support-emergency-settings/iasc-guidelines-mental-health-and-psychosocial-support-emergency-settings-2007#:~:text=The%20core%20idea%20behind%20them%20is%20that,%20in%20the%20early). 1. **Budget** (preferably as an Excel workbook) that includes three columns: the request to DRL, any cost sharing contribution, and the total budget.

Include a summary budget 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. 1. * The programming approach should focus on building inclusive societies, which are essential for strong democracies.

Include the costs for this commitment in the Budget and Budget Narrative. * Competitive proposals may include a summary budget for 18 additional months after the proposed period of performance. 1.

**Budget Narrative** (preferably as a Word Document) that provides detailed 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. 1.

* Competitive proposals may include a summary budget narrative for 18 additional months after the proposed period of performance. 1. **Logic Model** (preferably as a Word Document).

Please see _Logic Model_ Section 2I of the PSI for more information. 2. **Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Narrative** (no more than four pages, preferably as a Word Document).

Please see _Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Narrative_ Section 2J of the PSI for more information. * As stated in the _DRL Guide to Program Monitoring and Evaluation_, DRL strongly encourages applicants to ensure their monitoring, evaluation, and learning systems use human rights-based approaches, apply a gender and equity lens, and include the participation of sub-grantees and participants.

In the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Narrative, applicants should show their commitment to inclusive strategies and ensure that evaluation design, data collection, analysis, reporting and learning are done ethically and responsibly with all program participants (e.g., direct beneficiaries, sub-grantees). Applicants should also protect the privacy of individuals when collecting data.

For example, when collecting data from program participants, consider whether your organization has the necessary informed consent forms, confidentiality agreements, and data security protocols. Applicants should be aware that if their application moves forward for funding consideration, DRL will request a detailed Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan for further review and approval. 1.

**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. 2.

**Key Personnel** (no more than two pages, preferably as a Word Document). Please include short biographies that highlight relevant professional experience. Given the limited space, CVs are not recommended.

3. **Timeline** (no more than one page, preferably as a Word Document or Excel Sheet). The timeline of the overall program should include activities, evaluation efforts, and closeout.

4. **Gender and Inclusion Analysis** (no more than one page, preferably as a Word Document) that provides a brief analysis of relevant gender norms, equity and equality for underserved communities, including persons with disabilities; ethnic, religious, or language minorities; sexual orientation, as well as power relations and conflict dynamics in target countries.

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

Applicants should briefly explain how they have included findings from their analysis into program 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. 1.

**Security Plan**that addresses any issues related to in-person events and recruitment for these events, as well as safety for any online programs or communications. This includes independent IT security audits (with a vulnerability assessment) of any proposed web application or platform. The Security Plan should show that the applicant has considered the risks identified in the Risk Analysis.

Costs can also be included in the budget and budget narrative. Applicants are also encouraged to include contingency plans for in-person or online activities. ### D.

3 Additional Application Documents Strong applications will also include: * Individual Letters of Support and/or Memorandum of Understanding. These must be specific to the program implementation (e.g., from proposed partners or sub-award recipients) and will not count towards the page limit. **_For sample templates, visit the Resources page on DRL’s website:_****_https://2021-2025.

state. gov/resources-for-programs-and-grants/_****_. _****_The sample templates on the DRL website are suggested but not mandatory.

_** DRL can ask for additional documents not mentioned in this NOFO. To ensure fair evaluation, the DRL review panel will only review up to the page limit for each section. ## E.

Submission Requirements and Deadlines ### E. 1 Address to Request Application Package Application forms required above are available at www. grants.

gov and MyGrants (https://mygrants. servicenowservices. com) under the announcement title “DRL FY24 Global Equality Fund Programs,” funding opportunity number “DFOP0017096.

” If reasonable accommodations are needed for persons with disabilities or for security reasons, please contact the DRL point of contact listed below. Note that reasonable accommodations do not include deadline extensions. ### E.

2 Contact Information For **technical submission questions** related to this NOFO, please contact globalequality@state. gov. For assistance with **MyGrants** accounts and technical issues related to the system, please contact the ILMS help desk by phone at +1 (888) 313-4567 (toll charges apply for international callers) or through the Self Service online portal that can be accessed from https://afsitsm. servicenowservices.

com/ilms. Customer support is available 24/7. For assistance with **Grants.

gov** accounts and technical issues related to using the system, please call the Contact Center at +1 (800) 518-4726 or email support@grants. gov. The Contact Center is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, except federal holidays. ### E.

3 Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and System for Award Management (SAM. gov) All prime applicants, whether based in the United States or another country, must have a UEI and an active registration with the SAM. gov. A UEI is required by Public Law 109-282, the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA), for all Federal awards.

An applicant must maintain an active registration while it has a proposal under review by the Department and must continue to keep the registration active for the entire duration of the period of performance of any Federal award that results from this NOFO. The 2 CFR 200 requires that subrecipients obtain a UEI number.

UEI numbers for subrecipients are not required at the time of application but will be required before an award is processed and/or directed to a subrecipient. **_The process of obtaining or renewing a SAM. gov registration may take anywhere from four to eight 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. * **Organizations based outside of the United States that do not intend to apply for U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) awards are not required to have a NATO CAGE (NCAGE) code to apply for non-DoD foreign assistance.

**If an applicant organization is mid-registration and wishes to remove an NCAGE code from their SAM. gov registration, the applicant should submit a help desk ticket (“incident”) with the Federal Service Desk (FSD) online at www. 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 an NCAGE code. I understand that I will need to submit my registration after this incident is resolved in order to have my registration activated.

” **Organizations based outside of the United States that DO NOT plan to do business with the DoD should follow the below instructions:** Proceed to SAM. gov to obtain a UEI and complete the SAM. gov registration process.

SAM. gov registration must be renewed annually. **Organizations based outside of the United States that DO plan to do business with the DoD should follow the below instructions:** Step 1: Apply for an NCAGE code by following the instructions on the NSPA NATO website linked below: https://eportal.

nspa. nato. int/AC135Public/sc/CageList.

aspx NCAGE Code Request Tool (NCRT): NCAGE Code Request Tool (nato. int) For NCAGE help from within the United States, call +1 (888) 227-2423. For NCAGE help from outside the United States, call +1 (269) 961-7766.

Or, email NCAGE@dlis. dla. mil for any problems in applying for an NCAGE code.

Step 2: After receiving an NCAGE code, proceed to SAM. gov to obtain a UEI and complete the SAM. gov registration process.

SAM. gov registration must be renewed annually. **_Information to help with international registrations is included on the SAM.

gov website. Go to SAM. gov, click “HELP,” then scroll down to “New to SAM.

gov? ” for general information. Guidance on SAM.

gov and the guidance on GSA’s website about requirement for registering in SAM. gov may change, so applicants should check the website for the latest information. _** An exemption from the UEI and SAM.

gov registration requirements may be permitted on a case-by-case basis. See 2 CFR 25. 110 for a full list of exemptions.

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. ### E. 4 Submission Dates and Times **Applications are due no later than****11:59 PM****Eastern Standard Time (EST) on March 14, 2025.

** ### E. 5 Funding Restrictions Any applicant listed on the Excluded Parties List System in the System for Award Management (SAM. gov) (www.

sam. gov) or who has a current debt to the U.S. government is not eligible to apply for an assistance award, according to OMB guidelines at 2 CFR 180 that implement Executive Orders 12549 and 12689, “Debarment and Suspension. ” Additionally, no entity or person listed on the Excluded Parties List System in SAM.

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

DRL will not consider applications that provide support for any member, affiliate, or representative of a designated terrorist organization. For more information, refer to the list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations:https://2021-2025. state.

gov/foreign-terrorist-organizations/ Program activities that directly benefit foreign militaries or paramilitary groups or individuals will not be considered for DRL funding due to funding restrictions. According to Department of State policy on terrorism, applicants are advised that successful passing of a vetting process to evaluate the risk that funds may benefit terrorists or their supporters is a condition for receiving an award.

If selected for an award, applicants will need to provide information required by DS Form 4184, Risk Analysis Information about their company and its principal personnel. Vetting information is also required for all sub-award performance on assistance awards identified by the Department of State as having a risk of terrorist financing. Vetting information may also be requested for program beneficiaries and participants.

Failure to provide the requested information or to pass the vetting process may result in the proposal being rejected. The Leahy Law prohibits Department of State foreign assistance funds from supporting foreign security force units if the Secretary of State has credible information that the unit has committed a gross violation of human rights.

Per 22 USC §2378d(a) (2017), “No assistance shall be furnished under this chapter [FOREIGN ASSISTANCE] or the Arms Export Control Act [22 USC 2751 et seq.] to any unit of the security forces of a foreign country if the Secretary of State has credible information that such unit has committed a gross violation of human rights. ” Restrictions may apply to any proposed assistance to police or other law enforcement.

Among these, pursuant to section 620M of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended (FAA), no assistance provided through this funding opportunity may be furnished to any unit of the security forces of a foreign country when there is credible information that such unit has committed a gross violation of human rights.

In accordance with the requirements of section 620M of the FAA, also known as the Leahy Law, program beneficiaries or participants from a foreign government’s security forces may need to be vetted by the Department before the provision of any assistance. If a proposed grant or cooperative agreement will provide assistance to foreign security forces or personnel, compliance with the Leahy Law is required.

U.S. foreign assistance for Burma or Burmese beneficiaries is subject to restrictions. This includes restrictions, according to section 7043(a) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2024 (SFOAA) (Div. F, P.

L.

118-47) and Division K of Public Law 117–328 that “none of the funds appropriated by this Act that are made available for assistance for Burma may be made available to the State Administration Council or any organization or entity controlled by, or an affiliate of, the armed forces of Burma, or to any individual or organization that has committed a gross violation of human rights or advocates violence against ethnic or religious groups or individuals in Burma, as determined by the Secretary of State.

” In addition, funds cannot be made available to any individual or organization that has committed serious human rights abuse. Organizations should be aware of these restrictions when developing proposals, as they will need to conduct proper due diligence on program beneficiaries and work with DRL to ensure compliance.

Due diligence vetting will apply to any individuals or entities receiving foreign assistance funding or support and will include a review of publicly available information. ### E. 6 Other Submission Requirements All application submissions must be made electronically via www.

grants. gov or MyGrants (https://mygrants. servicenowservices.

com). DRL is not responsible for disqualification due to applicants not being registered before the due date, system errors in MyGrants or Grants. gov, or other errors in the application process.

Applicants must save a screenshot of the checklist showing all documents submitted in case any document fails to upload successfully. DRL encourages organizations to **submit applications during normal business hours** (Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM EST).

If an applicant experiences technical difficulties and has contacted the appropriate help desk but is not receiving timely assistance (e.g., no response within 48 hours), they may contact the DRL point of contact listed in the NOFO in Section E. 2. The point of contact may assist in contacting the appropriate help desk.

**MyGrants Applications:** Applicants using MyGrants for the first time should complete the “New Organization Registration. ” To register with MyGrants, go to https://MyGrants. servicenowservices.

com and click “Create an Account” under “New User. ” Select “Create a SAMS/MyGrants Applicant/Grantee Account” and complete all required fields. MyGrants will send an email to verify the account, followed by an “Okta Account” set-up, which may require the use of smartphone for multi-factor authentication (MFA).

If an applicant does not have accessibility to a smartphone during the time of creating an account, please contact the ILMS help desk and request instructions on MFA for Windows PC. **Grants. gov Applications:** Applicants who do not submit applications via MyGrants may submit via www.

grants. gov. Completing all the necessary registration steps for obtaining a username and password from Grants. gov **can take ten business days or longer.

** Please refer to the Grants. gov website for definitions of various “application statuses” and the difference between a submission receipt and a submission validation. Applicants will receive a validation e-mail from Grants.

gov upon the successful