DRL Open Competition for Organizations interested in submitting applications for a project that will support civil society and independent media to advocate and hold governments accountable by promoting and strengthening the ability of individuals to exercise their fundamental freedoms of expression, association, and peaceful assembly free from harassment, intimidation, and physical harm.

DRL Open Competition for Organizations interested in submitting applications for a project that will support civil society and independent media to advocate and hold governments accountable by promoting and strengthening the ability of individuals to exercise their fundamental freedoms of expression, association, and peaceful assembly free from harassment, intimidation, and physical harm.

is sponsored by U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL). This opportunity seeks projects that support civil society and independent media in promoting and strengthening fundamental freedoms of expression, association, and peaceful assembly. This is highly relevant to PEN America's mission.

**United States Department of State** **Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL)** **Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO):**DRL Supporting Free and Independent Media Globally This is the announcement of funding opportunity number **SFOP0009493** **Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number:** 19.

345 **Type of Solicitation:** Open Competition **Application Deadline:** 11:59 PM EST on May 10, 2023 **Total Funding Floor:**$1,000,000 **Total Funding Ceiling:**$1,000,000 **Anticipated Number of Awards:**1 **Type of Award:** Cooperative Agreement **Period of Performance:** 36-48 months **Anticipated Time to Award, Pending Availability of Funds:** September 30, 2023 ## 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 a project that will support civil society and independent media to advocate and hold governments accountable by promoting and strengthening the ability of individuals to exercise their fundamental freedoms of expression, association, and peaceful assembly free from harassment, intimidation, and physical harm.

The program should promote and protect open and resilient information ecosystems by 1) promoting the long-term adaptive capacities and sustainability of independent journalists, including free lancers, and media outlets, and 2) bolstering the resilience of journalists and independent media outlets to legal and regulatory challenges.

The awarded project will serve as one component of a larger DRL initiative to protect independent journalism globally.

DRL will award an overarching cooperative agreement to a consortium of at least three NGOs with both global reach (“Consortium”) and expertise to address multiple components of an enabling media environment, including: supporting exiled journalists, including free lancers, and media outlets; responding to legal and regulatory challenges; and mitigating online and offline risks facing journalists and independent media outlets in a variety of contexts.

For the purposes of this project, DRL defines “global reach” as having an existing track-record of implementing programs in at least four of the six geographical regions used by the U.S. Department of State, though proposals should focus on two geographic regions during the initial pilot phase with a short description of potential regional expansion following a pilot-phase (pending funding availability).

Within the Consortium, one organization must serve as the lead organization and the primary applicant (“Primary Applicant” or “Lead Organization”). It is envisioned that Consortium members may implement individual projects, two or more may work on individual but collaborative projects, or two or more may work jointly on one project.

The program may seek to develop partnerships with other donor governments and/or the private sector to bolster this work. Meaningful partnerships with local organizations, including those serving and led by members of marginalized communities, must be demonstrated in budget and narrative application components: at least 25% of funds should be made available for this purpose.

As this is a cooperative agreement, both the Consortium and DRL may present potential project ideas for implementation under this program.

Project activities should address the objectives above for journalists and media outlets operating in a range of environments, including in rapidly closing contexts; contexts in which growing pressure forces journalists to flee and where journalists are operating in exile or in migratory host countries; and in countries viewed as regional leaders whose actions have influence beyond their borders, and which may be a welcoming environment for exiled journalists.

Illustrative activities may include, but are not limited to: * Improve the adaptiveness and operational sustainability of independent journalists and media, including those operating in exile and those who are members of marginalized communities; * Provide legal and psychosocial support services to journalists under threat; * Enhance the ability of media organizations to manage response to and withstand repressive laws and regulations; * Strengthen risk mitigation and management strategies of independent journalists and media outlets operating in exile; * Provide independent journalists, in all their diversity,the skills and resources needed to reduce their vulnerability to, improve their responsiveness to, and mitigate the potential impact of threats and attacks, online and offline; * Foster connections and exchanges, particularly among exiled independent journalists and media practitioners– including through peer training and mentorship – to strengthen coordination and knowledge sharing, including for media operating in third countries.

In the full proposal submission the Lead Organization and Consortium members must: * Articulate how the approaches under this cooperative agreement would build on and be informed by previous projects and institutional lessons learned from those projects; * Identify how the Consortium will leverage partnerships with local organizations, including local civil society organizations, to inform proposal design, project implementation and project sustainability; * Explain how it will effectively and efficiently manage individual projects under this cooperative agreement; * Reflect how the Consortium will design programming to avoid duplication and otherwise reflect complementarity with other organizations; * Describe its approach to implementing projects in several countries around the world concurrently as well as exhibit global reach; and * Demonstrate how it will monitor both individual project and cooperative agreement implementation and evaluate the relevance, efficiency, effectiveness and impact of individual projects while, in partnership with DRL, learning from monitoring and evaluation data to inform course corrections and future projects.

A successful project will include the strengthening and/or development of networks which will encourage participating independent journalists and media outlets to exchange best practices regarding a variety of topics, such as effective media management, increasing viewership, and improving content to meet viewers’ needs, as well as revenue-generation and operational sustainability.

Applicants are requested to provide appropriate resources and support for the safety and psychosocial well-being of project staff and partners. Accordingly, proposals must include a section in the narrative and budget to reflect these resources and support. Activities can range from access to educational materials and training opportunities to counseling services, as well as other forms of contextually relevant support.

**This notice is subject to availability of funding. ** ## B. Federal Award Information Primary organizations can submit one application in response to the NOFO.

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). ## C. Eligibility Information **For application information, please see the proposal submission instructions (PSI), updated December 2022 on our website.

** ## _C. 1 Eligible Applicants_ DRL welcomes applications from U.S.-based and foreign-based non-profit organizations/nongovernmental 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 programs 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 Free and Independent Media Globally,” funding opportunity number “SFOP0009493. ” 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 one page width. ## _D.

2. 1 Application Requirements_ Complete applications must include the following: 1. Completed and signed **SF-424**,**SF-424A**, and **SF-424B** forms.

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 [](https://2021-2025. state. gov/drl-supporting-free-and-independent-media-globally/)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.

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.

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, and/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.

Applicants should be aware that, should an application move forward for funding consideration, DRL will request a detailed Monitoring and Evaluation Plan for further review and approval. 12. **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. 13. **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. 14.

**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. 15.

**Gender and Inclusion Analysis** (not to exceed three (3) pages, preferably as a Word Document) that provides a concise analysis of relevant gender norms, [](https://2021-2025. state. gov/drl-supporting-free-and-independent-media-globally/)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 power and 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 [](https://2021-2025. state.

gov/drl-supporting-free-and-independent-media-globally/)and inclusion analysis with local partners/beneficiaries, and making any necessary adjustments to project implementation. A set of guiding questions can be found in Section 2L of the PSI. 16.

**Security Plan**addressing any issues involving in-person events and recruitment for said events, and safety for any online programs or communications, including independent IT security audits (to include a vulnerability assessment) of any proposed web application or platform. Organization’s Security Plan should demonstrate consideration of the risks identified in the submitted risk assessment.

Costs may also be identified within the budget and budget narrative. Applicants are also encouraged to include contingency plans for in-person or online activities. 17.

**Contingency Plan** for proposed activities should the originally planned activities not be able to be implemented. The Contingency Plan should be submitted as an additional annex. Applicants should demonstrate consideration of the risks identified in the submitted risk assessment and include specific alternative activities or locations as part of the Contingency Plan.

Any proposed “plan” must comply with 2CFR200. 433 – Contingency provisions. Plans must not include unallocable or unallowable expenses and must not result in a larger Total Award Value than the identified as the “competition ceiling.

” DRL requires prior approval by the Grants Officer of the “plan” before any activities can take place, or costs can be incurred against the “plan. ” 18.

**Lessons Learned**(not to exceed one (1) page, preferably as a Word Document) from past programs (insert country or theme) that demonstrate how the implementer has safely operated and responded to programmatic challenges, learning from both successes and failures, in the operating environment. To be incorporated into the ten (10) pages allowed for “Proposal Narrative. ” 19.

**Psychosocial Assistance**(to be incorporated into the ten (10) pages allowed for “Proposal Narrative,” and into“Budget” and “Budget Narrative”). A section in the proposal, budget, and budget narrative to reflect appropriate resources and support for the psychosocial health of staff (i.e., activities can range from access to educational materials and training opportunities to counseling services to other contextually relevant support).

1. References: For reference to international guidance, please see the following: Core Humanitarian Standard Commitment 8. 9 (https://corehumanitarianstandard.

org/files/files/CHS-Guidance-Notes-and-Indicators. pdf); and IASC Guidelines on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings Action Sheet 4. 4 (http://www.

who. int/mental_health/emergencies/guidelines_iasc_mental_health_psychosocial_june_2007. pdf).

20. **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 2022, 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) 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. **_Note: As of April 2022, a DUNS number is no longer required for federal assistance applications.

_** 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 or renewing a SAM.

gov registration may take anywhere from 4-8 weeks. Please begin your registration as early as possible. _** * 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 a CAGE code. I understand that I will need to submit my registration after this incident is resolved in order to have my registration activated. ” * 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 and that DO NOT plan to do business with the DoD should follow the below instructions:** Step 1: 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 and 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): https://eportal.

nspa. nato. int/Codification/CageTool/home 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.

**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. gov. 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. Please refer to 2 CFR 25. 200 for additional information.

**Note: SAM. gov is not the same as SAMS Domestic. It is free of charge 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 “Explore” and “New to SAM. gov?

” for general information. Please note, guidance on SAM. gov and the guidance on GSA’s website about requirement for registering in SAM.

gov is subject to change and is currently being updated. Applicants should review the website for the most up-to-date guidance. _** The attached “AQM Guidance for NCAGE-SAM.

gov for Grant Applicants as of Dec. 2022” is a compilation of resources gathered by the Department’s Office of Acquisitions Management (AQM). Any content shown from SAM.

gov is not owned by the Department of State. This guidance and instruction are to the best of our knowledge based at the time of posting this solicitation. **Where guidance in these attachments differs from the SAM.

gov website, SAM. gov prevails and the applicant is encouraged to seek and document responses provided by the SAM. gov help desk.

** 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.

* For an applicant, if the federal awarding agency makes a determination that there are exigent circumstances that prohibit the applicant from receiving a UEI and completing SAM. gov registration prior to receiving a federal award. In these instances, federal awarding agencies must require the recipient to obtain a UEI and complete SAM.

gov registration within 30 days of the federal award date. 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. ## _D.

4 Submission Dates and Times_ **Applications are due no later than 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST), on 10 May, 2023 on****https://www. grants. gov/****or****SAM****S Domestic**(https://mygrants.

servicenowservices. com) **under the announcement title “DRL Supporting Free and Independent Media Globally,” funding opportunity number “SFOP0009493. ”** Grants.

gov and SAMS Domestic automatically log the date and time an application submission is made, and the Department of State will use this information to determine whether an application has been submitted on time. Late applications are neither reviewed nor considered. Known system errors caused by Grants.

gov or SAMS Domestic (https://mygrants. service-now. com) that are outside of the applicant’s control will be reviewed on a case by case basis.

Applicants should not expect a notification upon DRL receiving their application. ## _D. 5 Funding Restrictions_ Prior to issuing a federal award with a total amount of federal share greater than $250,000, the Department of State is required to review and consider any information about the applicant that is found in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM.

gov (41 USC §2313). An applicant, at its option, may review information in the designated integrity and performance systems accessible through SAM. gov and comment on any information about itself that a federal awarding agency previously entered and is currently in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM.

gov. The Department of State will consider any comments by the applicant, in addition to the other information in the designated integrity and performance system, in making a judgment about the applicant’s integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under federal awards when completing the