Freedom 250 Public Engagement Initiative

Freedom 250 Public Engagement Initiative is sponsored by U.S. Department of State, U.S. Embassy Dhaka. The U. S.

Department of State's Embassy Dhaka invites proposals for cooperative agreements to design, administer, and implement high-visibility public engagement activities under Mission Bangladesh's Freedom 250 Public Engagement Initiative.

###### **Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)** ###### **Freedom 250 Bangladesh 2026** ###### **U.S. Embassy – Dhaka, Public Diplomacy Section, Department of State** ###### **State Opportunity number: PDS-DHAKA-NOFO-FY2026- 01** ###### **Application deadline:April 30, 2026** **Funding Opportunity Title**Freedom 250 Bangladesh 2026 **Funding Opportunity Number**PDS-DHAKA-NOFO-FY2026-01 **Deadline for Applications**April 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.

m. BST. **Assistance Listing Number**19.

040 **Length of performance period**Up to 10 months **Number of awards anticipated**Up to five awards **Award amounts**Up to$50,000 **Total available funding**$50,000 pending availability of funds **Type of Funding**FY26 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds **Anticipated projects start date**June 1, 2026 **Funding Instrument Type:** **Project Performance Period**: Proposed projects should be completed by December 31, 2026.

**This notice is subject to availability of funding. ** Proposed projects should be completed by December 31, 2026. The Public Diplomacy Section reserves the right to award less or more than the funds described under circumstances deemed to be in the best interest of the U.S. government, pending the availability of funds and approval of the designated grants officer**.

** _**2. **_**_Executive Summary_** The U.S. Department of State’s Embassy Dhaka invites proposal submissions for cooperative agreements to d esign, administer, and implement high-visibility public engagement activities under Mission Bangladesh’s Freedom 250 Public Engagement Initiative, celebrating 250 years of American liberty and independence.

Through December 31, 2026,this initiative will deploy innovative,small-scale programming across Bangladesh to showcase the historical legacy of American excellence, highlight U.S. innovation and leadership, and celebrate the enduring cultural, economic, and strategic ties between the United States and Bangladesh.

Activities may include, but are not limited to: * Activities related to America Week July 1-7, 2026, in Dhaka, Chattogram,Rajshahi, and Sylhet.

* Public engagement exchanges and events featuring prominent American athletes, cultural and literary figures, innovators, or subject-matter experts; * American-style public events and community celebrations that highlight U.S. traditions and values; * Outreach celebrating U.S.-Bangladesh partnerships in business,entrepreneurship,energy,science,technology,and culture; * Traveling exhibitions and educational materials on American history adapted for Bangladeshi audiences and local languages where appropriate; * Community service initiatives that bring together American and Bangladeshi citizens; * Leveraging American Spaces for U.S.-tailored programming.

The implementing partner will also develop, in coordination with the U.S. Embassy, Freedom 250-branded outreach and giveaway materials. **_1.

Eligible Applicants_** The following organizations are eligible to apply: * _Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks, civil society/non-governmental organizations and alumni associations_ * _Public and private educational institutions_ For-profit entities, even those that may fall into the categories listed above,are**not** eligible to apply for this NOFO.

Organizations may sub-contract with other entities, but only one, non-profit, non-governmental entity can be the prime recipient of the award. When sub-contracting with other entities, the responsibilities of each entity must be clearly defined in the proposal. For more information on the difference between sub-contract and sub-recipient, please refer to 2 CFR 200.

331. **_2. Cost Sharing or Matching_** Cost sharing or matching is not required for this funding opportunity but is an available option.

**_3. Other Eligibility Requirements_** All organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) issued via SAM. gov as well as a valid registration in SAM.

gov.Please see Section E. 3 for more information. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.

gov. Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization. If more than one proposal is submitted from an organization, all proposals from that institution will be considered ineligible for funding under this funding opportunity. **_4.

This opportunity will not support:_** * Projects relating to partisan political activity; * Charitable or development activities; including direct social services such as medical, psychological, and/or humanitarian support * Projects that support specific religious activities; * Fund-raising campaigns; * Lobbying for specific legislation or programs * Scientific research or surveys; * Projects intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization; * Projects that duplicate existing projects; or **C.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION** **_1. Project Background, Goals, and Objectives_** On July 4, 2026, the United States will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Under President Trump’s leadership, the White House Task Force on Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday has launched a year-long initiative extending through the end of 2026.

Through December 31, 2026, this initiative will deploy innovative, small-scale programming across Bangladesh to showcase the historical legacy of American excellence, highlight U.S. innovation and leadership, and celebrate the enduring cultural, economic, and strategic ties between the United States and Bangladesh.

Activities may include, but are not limited to: * Activities related to America Week July 1-7, 2026, in Dhaka, Chattogram,Rajshahi, and Sylhet.

* Public engagement exchanges and events featuring prominent American athletes, cultural and literary figures, innovators, or subject-matter experts; * American-style public events and community celebrations that highlight U.S. traditions and values; * Outreach celebrating U.S.-Bangladesh partnerships in business, entrepreneurship, energy, science, technology, and culture; * Traveling exhibitions and educational materials on American history adapted for Bangladeshi audiences and local languages where appropriate; * Community service initiatives that bring together American and Bangladeshi citizens; * Levering American Spaces for U.S.-tailored programming.

The implementing partner will also develop, in coordination with the U.S. Embassy, Freedom 250-branded outreach and giveaway materials. The Embassy anticipates close coordination with the recipient organization(s)to ensure alignment with Freedom 250 priorities and broader U.S. foreign policy objectives.

**Project Audience:**Primary audiences will include individuals or organizations with some influence over Bangladeshi public opinion or policy making. Secondary audiences will include the general public. **Project Goal:**Celebrate 250 years of American liberty and independence by emphasizing American excellence and reinforcing positive perceptions of U.S.-Bangladesh cooperation through visible Freedom 250 programming.

**Project Objectives may include:** Increase public awareness of American culture, innovation, and leadership through public-facing activities. _Success indicators may include:_ * At least 70% of surveyed participants report increased awareness of American contributions. * At least 70% report more favorable perceptions of the United States and the U.S.-Bangladesh relationship.

Expand engagement among individuals and organizations with existing U.S. ties in additional locations across Bangladesh through local festivals, traveling exhibits, educational materials, and microgrants. _Success indicators may include:_ * At least 60% of participating organizations/individuals reporting at least one new connection as a result of attending sponsored events.

* At least 30% of participating organizations/individuals reporting the intention to partner with other organizations/individuals after participating in sponsored events. **_2. Substantial Involvement_** The U.S. Embassy anticipates awarding a cooperative agreement and will undertake reasonable and programmatically necessary substantial involvement.

**U.S. Embassy Roles and Responsibilities** Examples of substantial involvement include but are not limited to: * Identification of priority regions and cities within Bangladesh; * Collaboration on recruiting and final approval of the selection of performers, athletes, and experts; * Final approval of materials developed, including but not limited to public announcements, press kits, and microgrant solicitations; and **Recipient Roles and Responsibilities** * Develop a comprehensive calendar of proposed events in all targeted regions.

Send proposed venues and partners to the Grants Officer/Grants Officer Representative (GO/GOR) at least one month prior to events, and related materials, including public announcements, at least two weeks prior to events; * Manage all event logistics, including securing venues and procuring items necessary for public-facing events; and * Support cultural performers, athletes, and experts with travel, visas (as applicable), honoraria, accommodations, and required program-related rentals or services.

**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.

**Content of Application** * 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 applicant authorized signatures are provided where indicated on the various, required forms The following documents are**required:** **_1.

Mandatory application forms_** * SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance – organizations) or SF-424-I (Application for Federal Assistance –individuals) * SF-424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs) * SF-424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs). (note: the SF-424B is only required for individuals, organizations exempt from registration, and for organizations not required to fully register in SAM. gov) _**2.

**_**_Proposal (8pages maximum)_** The proposal should contain sufficient information that anyone not familiar with it would understand exactly what the applicant wants to do. You may use your own proposal format, but it must include all the items below. * **Proposal Summary:**Short narrative that outlines the proposed project, including project objectives and anticipated impact.

* **Introduction to the Organization applying:**A description of past and present operations, showing ability to carry out the program, including information on all previous grants from the State Department and/or U.S. government agencies as well as experience with and expertise in areas related to those described in the NOFO.

You may use the attached Applicant Organization Information Survey form to provide this information(Attachment 01). * **Problem Statement:**Clear, concise and well-supported statement of the problem to be addressed and why the proposed program is needed * **Project Goals and Objectives:**The “goals” describe what the program is intended to achieve. The “objectives” refer to the intermediate accomplishments on the way to the goals.

These should be achievable and measurable. * **Project Activities:**Describe the program activities and how they will help achieve theobjectives. * **Project Methods and Design:**A description of how the program is expected to work to solve the stated problem and achieve the goal.

Include a logic model asappropriate. * **Proposed Project Schedule and Timeline:**The proposed timeline for the program activities. Include the dates, times, and locations of planned activities and events.

* **Key Personnel:**Names, titles,roles and experience/qualifications of key personnel involved in the program. What proportion of their time will be used in support of this program? * **Project Partners:**List the names and type of involvement of key partner organizations and sub-awardees (if applicable).

* **Monitoring & Evaluation Plan:**Proposals must include a draft Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP). The M&E PMP should show how applicants intend to measure and demonstrate progress towards the project’s objectives and goals. Attachment 02 of this funding opportunity contains a template that may be used to fulfill this requirement.

While the grantee is free to create their own template, completing Attachment x will ensure a thorough PMP. The key components to the PMP are as follows: * **Monitoring and Evaluation Narrative**: In narrative form, applicants should describe how they intend to monitor and evaluate the activities of their award.

In addition, the applicant should describe any M&E processes, including key personnel, management structure (where M&E fits into the overall program’s staff structure), technology, and as well provide a brief budget narrative explaining any line-item expenditures for M&E listed in the program’s budget.

If the proposal is from a prior grantee, the proposal discusses how the grantee has adapted, improved or otherwise modified their approach based on learning from previous experience. This narrative is limited to two pages. * **Theory of Change Diagram:**Applicants are expected to submit either a Theory of Change diagram or an If-Then Statement that illustrates how project activities will lead to intended outcomes.

Attachment 02 includes a suggested format for these requirements. * **Monitoring and Evaluation Datasheet:**The applicant must include their proposed activities and their expected outputs and outcomes as well as the goals and objectives as written in the NOFO.

The datasheet’s purpose is to explicitly illustrate how a project’s activities lead to tangible results (such as increased beneficiary skills, knowledge, or attitudes) that ultimately address a PDS objective. For more information, please see Attachment 02a: Instructions. * The selected applicant’s M&E PMP is subject to review and approval before any award will be issued under this NOFO.

The selected applicant will be required to work with the Public Diplomacy Section’s Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist to ensure the applicant’s M&E PMP achieves an expected level of expertise and meets PDS objectives. * ###### Expenses directly associated with monitoring and evaluation are considered allowable.

The suggested template includes a space to list theportion of the total budget amount directly associated with monitoring and evaluation activities. ###### **3. ****_Budget Justification Narrative_** * **Detailed Budget**– Applicants must submit a detailed line-item budget.

Applicants are encouraged to utilize the template provided with the funding opportunity but are not required to do so(Attachment 03). Line-item expenditures should be listed in the greatest possible detail.

The budget must identify the total amount of funding requested, with a breakdown of amounts to be spent in the following budget categories: personnel; fringe benefits; travel; equipment; supplies; consultants/contracts; other direct costs; and indirect costs. See Annex Section I for a description of the types of costs that should be included in each category.

Personnel salaries should include the level of effort and the rate of pay, which should cover the percentage of time each staff member will dedicate to grant-based activities. If an organization is charging an indirect cost rate without a NICRA, it must apply it to the modified total budget costs (MTDC), refer to 2CFR§200. 1.

**Budgets shall be submitted in U.S. dollars**and final grant agreements will be conducted in U.S. dollars. * **Budget Justification Narrative**– Applicants must submit a budget justification narrative(Attachment 04) to accompany the detailed line-item budget.

The purpose of the budget justification narrative is to supplement the information provided in the detailed budget spreadsheet by justifying how the budget cost elements are necessary to implement project objectives and accomplish the project goals.

The budget justification narrative is a tool to help Embassy staff fully understand the budgetary needs of the applicant and is an opportunity to provide descriptive information about the requested costs beyond the constraints of the budget template.

Together, the detailed budget spreadsheet, the budget justification narrative, and the SF-424A should provide a complete financial and qualitative description that supports the proposed project plan and should be directly relatable to the specific project components described in the applicant’s proposal.

* Awards to Individuals:Please note the following budget guidelines for the Individual Award: Salary/Honoraria: Only the award recipient may receive salary/honoraria from this funding mechanism. The Recipient must be the primary point of contact and manage all programmatic activities. Other Direct Costs: Expenses related to securing venues, managing logistics, catering, etc. are allowable.

Audit Requirements:Please note the audit requirements for Department of State awards in the Standard Terms and Conditionshttps://www. state. gov/m/a/ope/index.

htm and 2CFR200,Subpart F – Audit Requirements. The cost of the required audits may be charged either as an allowable direct cost to the award OR included in the organization’s established indirect costs in the award’s detailed budget.

* **Key Personnel Resumes:**A résumé, not to exceed one page in length, must be included for the proposed key staff persons, such as the Project Director and Finance Officer, as well as any speakers or trainers (if applicable).

If an individual for this type of position has not been identified, the applicant may submit a 1-page position description,identifying the qualifications and skills required for that position, in lieu of a résumé. * **Letters of support from program partners:**Letters of support should be included for sub-recipients or other partners.

The letters must identify the type of relationship to be entered into(formal or informal), the roles and responsibilities of each partner in relation to the proposed project activities, and the expected result of the partnership. The individual letters cannot exceed 1 page in length.

* **Indirect Costs**: If your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, your latest NICRA should be included in the application submission.

* **Proof of Non-profit Status:**Documentation to demonstrate the applicant’s non-profit status (e.g., U.S.-based organizations should submit a copy of their 501(c)(3) Internal Revenue Service determination letter, and non-U.S. organizations should provide evidence of non-profit status issued by a government entity). * **Proof of Registration:**A copy of the organization’s registration should be provided with the proposal application.

U.S.-based organizations should submit a copy of their IRS determination letter. Bangladesh-based organizations should submit a copy of their certificate of registration from the appropriate government organization. * **Security package:**The safety and security of all participants and activities under this project are the sole responsibility of the award recipient.

Due to the security climate in Bangladesh, we require all proposals to include a security package to accompany appropriate programmatic elements within their proposal.

The security package must include but is not limited to:secure transportation; lodging, and emergency accountability and evacuation for any non- Bangladesh personnel living or working in Bangladesh, as well as a copy of your organization’s security operational procedures for high-risk environments. Reasonable costs for necessary security are allowable expenses and should be included in the proposed budget.

If a security company is engaged and funded under the award, it must be registered by the Government of Bangladesh to operate in Bangladesh. We require award recipients to notify the Public Diplomacy Section in advance when U.S. citizens are traveling to Bangladesh.

Other items NOT required/requested with the application submission, but which _may_ be requested if your application is approved to move forward in the review process include: a. Copies of an organization or program audit within the last two (2) years b. Copies of relevant human resources, financial, or procurement policies c.

Copies of other relevant organizational policies or documentation that would help the Department determine your organization’s capacity to manage a federal grant award overseas. d. Documentation that demonstrates the recipients’ plan and/or policy to safeguard PII of participants and beneficiaries.

It is the responsibility of the recipient to ensure protection of personally identifiable information (PII) and safeguard PII when collecting, maintaining, using and disseminating such information e.

Information to determine what financial controls and standard operating procedures an organization uses to procure goods and services, hire staff and track time and attendance, pay for grant-related travel, and identify other financial transactions that may be necessary to undertake the project activities f. The Embassy reserves the right to request any additional programmatic and/or financial information regarding the proposal. **E.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES** **_1. Address to Request Application Package_** Application forms required above are available on **grants. gov** **_2.

Department of State Contacts_** If you have any questions about the grant application process, please contact: **DhakaGrants@state. gov**. _Optional:_**Question Deadline:**For questions on this solicitation, please contact **DhakaGrants****_@_ state.

gov**. Questions must be received on or before April 27, 2026,at 11:59 a. m.

**, Bangladesh Standard Time (BST)**. **3. ****_Unique entity identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.

gov)_** **Required Registration:**All organizations, whether based in the United States or in another country, must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration in SAM. gov.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.

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 also requires subrecipients to obtain a UEI.

Please note the UEI for subrecipients is not required at the time of application but will be required before an award is processed and/or directed to a subrecipient. **_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_****_. _** * 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 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 prior to registering in SAM. gov. An exemption from the UEI and sam. gov registration requirements may be permitted on a case-by-case basis.

See2 CFR 25. 110for 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.

**Please note**: Any applicant with an exclusion in the System for Award Management (SAM) is not eligible to apply for an assistance award in accordance with the OMB guidelines at 2 CFR 180 that implement Executive Orders 12549 (3 CFR, 1986 Comp. , p. 189) and 12689 (3 CFR, 1989 Comp.

, p. 235), “Debarment and Suspension. ” **_5.

Submission Dates and Times_** **Submission Deadline:**All applications must be received by April 30, 2026, 11:59 a. m. ,Bangladesh Standard Time (BST).

For the purposes of determining if an award is submitted on time, PD Dhaka will utilize the timestamp provided by Grants. gov.This deadline is firm and is not a rolling deadline. If organizations fail to meet the deadline noted above their application will be considered ineligible and will not be considered for funding.

**Submission Method**:Submitting all application materials directly to the following email address:DhakaGrants@state. gov.Applicants opting to submit applications via email to DhakaGrants@state. gov**must**include the Funding Opportunity Title and Funding Opportunity Number in the subject line of the email.

**_6. Funding Restrictions_** i. Funding Restrictions for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA):None of the funds awarded resulting from this Notice of Funding Opportunity may be made available for subawards, direct financial support, or otherwise used to provide any payment or transfer to United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).

ii. Certification Regarding Compliance with Applicable Federal Anti-Discrimination Laws:If the place of performance or delivery of any award made under this NOFO will be within the United States, applicants are advised that they will be required to certify the following at the time of award: a.

Its compliance in all respects with all applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws is material to the government’s payment decisions for purposes of section 3729(b)(4) of title 31, United States Code and; b. It does not operate any programs promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion that violate any applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws.

A program promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion means a program whose purpose is to promote preferences based on race, color religion, sex, or national origins, such as in training or hiring. iii. Certification Regarding Compliance with 20 U.S.C.

1011f and any other applicable foreign funding disclosure requirements:Applicants are advised that IHEs must certify the following at the time of award, and that this certification requirement must be included in any subaward agreements to IHEs: a.

Its compliance in all respects with section 1011f of title 20, United States Code, and any other applicable foreign funding disclosure requirements is material for purposes of section 3729 of title 31, United States Code, and for receipt of appropriate Federal grant funds. b.

Applicants seeking clarification on the reporting requirement are encouraged to review the Frequently Asked Questions resource developed by the U.S. Department of Education. iv. Pre-Award Costs:Pre-award costs are not an allowable expense for this funding opportunity.

v. Construction:Any award made as a result of this NOFO will not allow for construction activities or costs. vi.

Direct Social Services:Costs that cover and provide direct social services, such as welfare, charity, health or economic relief, are unallowable. Medical assistance, such as costs to include medical professionals, including but not limited to doctors, nurses, and psychiatrists to participate in the project activities are not allowed. Applicants must acquire all required registrations and rights in the United States and Bangladesh.

All intellectual property considerations and rights must be fully met in the United States and Bangladesh. Any sub-recipient organization must also meet all the U.S. and Bangladesh requirements described above. **_F.

APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION_** Criteria: Each application submitted under this announcement will be evaluated and rated on the basis of the criteria enumerated below. The criteria are designed to assess the quality of the proposed project, and to determine the likelihood of its success.

* **_Quality and Feasibility of the Program Idea_**– 30 points: The program idea should be innovative and well developed, with sufficient detail about how project activities will be carried out. The proposals should demonstrate originality and outline clear, achievable objectives. The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline.

The project scope is appropriate and clearly defined. Finally, the proposal aligns with the following U.S. policies: * The project clearly demonstrates a direct contribution to current U.S. foreign policy priorities. * The project will positively impact America’s reputation among foreign government partners.

* The project will positively impact American’s reputation among foreign publics. * The proposal does not include any activities contrary to the following Executive Orders: Executive Order 14287: “Protecting American Communities from Criminal Aliens. ” Executive Order 14151: “Ending Radical And Wasteful Government DEI Programs And Preferencing.

” Executive Order 14154: “Unleashing American Energy.

” Executive Order 14150: “America First Policy Directive to the Secretary of State” Executive Order 14168: Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government * **Organizational Capacity and Record on Previous Grants**– 25 points: * The project proposal demonstrates that the organization has sufficient expertise, skills, and human resources to implement the project.

* The organization demonstrates that it has a clear understanding of the underlying issue that the project will address. * The organization demonstrates capacity for successful planning and responsible fiscal management. This includes a financial management system, a bank account, and if applicable, satisfactory audit findings.

* Applicants who have received grant funds previously have been compliant with applicable rules and regulations, including the Award Provisions and Standard Terms and Conditions. * Where partners are described, the applicant details each partner’s respective role and provides curriculum vitae (CVs) for persons responsible for the project and financial administration.

Proposed personnel, institutional resources, and partners are adequate and appropriate * The applicant organization is compliant with the Mexico City Policy. * **Project Planning/Ability to Achieve Objectives**– 20 points: The project plan is well developed, with sufficient detail about how activities will be carried out. The proposal specifies target audiences, participant recruitment, and geographic areas of implementation.

The proposal outlines clear, achievable objectives. The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline. The project scope is appropriate and clearly defined.

* **Budget**– 10 points: The budget and narrative justification are sufficiently detailed. The budget demonstrates that the organization has devoted time to accurately determine expenses associated with the project instead of providing rough estimates. Costs are reasonable in relation to the proposed activities and anticipated results.

The results and proposed outcomes justify the total cost of the project. Budget items are reasonable, allowable, and allocable. * **Monitoringand Evaluation**– 10 points: There is a complete and thorough draft submission of a M&E Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP).

This will include a list of proposed project activities, corresponding milestone, output, and outcome indicators, a description of data collection methods, and a timeline for collecting such information. The proposal presents a clear theory of change on how the program will address that problem. Use of the suggested template (Attachments 3 & 3.

1) will satisfy these requirements. Funded projects will have their plans finalized during the negotiation phase, and monitoring plans may be subject to periodic updates throughout the life of the project. **Sustainability –**5 points: Program activities will continue to have positive impact after the end of the program.

If two or more applications receive equivalent scores based on the evaluation criteria outlined in this NOFO, preference will be given to the applicant with the lower indirect cost rate, as consistent with Executive Order 14332, Section 4(b)(iii). This preference will only be applied as a tie-breaking mechanism and does not supersede the primary evaluation criteria. **_3.

Review and Selection Process_** a. Acknowledgement of receipt. Applicants will receive acknowledgment of receipt of their proposal.

b. Review. All submissions are screened for technical eligibility.

**If a submission is missing any required forms/documents listed above in Section D. Application Contents and Format, it will be considered ineligible and will not be reviewed by the grants review committee. **A technical review panel will review eligible proposals based upon the criteria noted in this NOFO.

c. Follow up notification. Applicants willgenerally benotified within 120 days after the NOFO deadline regarding the results of the review panel.

i. Under the merit review as required by 2 CFR 200. 206, prior to making a Federal Award the Department will review and consider the following risk factors: b.

Management systems and standards c. History of performance d. Audit reports and findings e.

Ability to effectively implement project requirements ii. Responsibility/Qualification Information in SAM. gov The Federal awarding agency, prior to making a Federal award with a total amount of Federal share greater than the simplified acquisition threshold, is required to review and consider (see 41 U.S.C.

2313); An applicant can review and comment on any information in the responsibility/qualification records available in SAM. gov. Before making decisions in the risk review required by 2 CFR 200. 206, the Department will consider any comments by the applicant, along with information available in the responsibility/qualification records in SAM.

gov. iii. High Risk Designation Awardees that are deemed to be high risk based on the above risk factors will be held to special award conditions. At a minimum, the recipient and/or project designated as High Risk will be required to submit monthly narrative reports and/or quarterly detailed financial reports.

Recipients may also be required, upon request of the Grants Officer or Grants Officer Representative, to provide electronic copies of receipts or other supporting documentation (e.g., timesheets, travel documents) for costs incurred. The Grants Officer may withhold 10% of the award amount until final reports have been reviewed and approved by the GO.

The recipient may be required to pay all salaries supported by the grant via electronic funds transfer. Other special award conditions may also be included if deemed appropriate by the Grants Officer. The award or cooperative agreement will be written, signed, awarded, and administered by the Grants Officer.

The award agreement is the authorizing document, and it will be provided to the recipient for review and counter-signature. The recipient may only start incurring project expenses beginning on the start date shown on the award document signed by the Grants Officer. If a proposal is selected for funding, the Department of State has no obligation to provide any additional future funding.

Renewal of an award to increase funding or extend the period of performance is at the discretion of the Department of State. Issuance of this NOFO does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the U.S.