Grants Program (U.S. Embassy Argentina Public Affairs Section) is sponsored by U.S. Embassy in Argentina Public Affairs Section (PAS). This program supports projects proposed by U. S.

and Argentine academic, cultural, educational, and other non-profit organizations and/or individuals that aim to promote economic prosperity and security through academic and cultural initiatives.

**U. S Department of State****U.S. EMBASSY BUENOS AIRES, PUBLIC AFFAIRS SECTION (PAS)****Notice of Funding Opportunity** ##### **_1. _****_Overview_** **Funding Opportunity Title:**U.S. Embassy Buenos Aires PAS Annual Program Statement **Funding Opportunity Number:**PAS-AR200-FY25-06 **Announcement Type:**Initial **Deadline for Applications**: CALL CLOSED **Assistance Listing Number:**19.

040 – Public Diplomacy Programs **Length of Performance Period:**6 to 18 months **Number of Awards Anticipated:**10 awards (dependent on amounts) **Award Amounts:**Awards may range from a minimum of $25,000 to a maximum of $100,000 **Total Amount Available:**$250,000 pending availability of funds. **Type of Funding:** FY-2025 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds **Anticipated project start date:** September 30, 2025.

**Funding Instrument Type:** Grant, fixed amount award (FAA), or cooperative agreement. Cooperative agreements include substantial involvement of the embassy in program implementation of the project. **Project Performance Period**: Proposed projects should be completed in 18 months or less.

The U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Section will evaluate 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.

Applications submitted early will have a greater chance of securing funding. ** ##### **_2. _****_Executive Summary_** **Priority Region:**Activities shall be conducted exclusively within Argentina.

The Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina will review proposals focused **exclusively** on advancing one or more of the following strategic areas to enhance the safety, strength, and prosperity of the American people: * **Economic Strength and Prosperity, Entrepreneurship, Innovation. ** * **Good Governance, Transparency, Accountability, Anti-Corruption and Democratic Principles.

** * **Combatting Propaganda and Censorship, Prioritizing Truth. ** ##### **_1. _****_Eligible Applicants_** The following organizations based either in the United States or in Argentina are eligible to apply _:_ * _Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations.

_ * _Public and private educational institutions. _ **_2. _****_Cost Sharing or Matching_** Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate cost-sharing, public-private partnerships, cooperation among multiple partners, or innovative means to implement cost savings in their proposals.

**_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 D. 3 for more information. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.

gov. **C. Program Description** **_1. _****_Goals and Objectives_** The proposed program must clearly address one or more of the three strategic areas described above, under the principles of making America and the American people safer, stronger, and more prosperous.

Applicants shall submit a four-page executive summary describing the proposed activities, the audience that will participate, and the objectives of the program. **Important:**Careful monitoring and program evaluation is mandatory.

The applicant shall define expected performance goals, indicators, targets, baseline data, describe data collection methods, and other aspects related to the procedure to determine and measure the program’s level of success. **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 pages are numbered. * All documents are formatted to fit 8 ½ x 11 paper.

* All Microsoft Word documents are single-spaced, 12-point Calibri font, with a minimum of 1-inch margins. The following documents are **required** and available at https://www. grants.

gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-mandatory-family: ##### **_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. _****_Summary Page (optional)_** Cover sheet stating the applicant’s name and organization, proposal date, program title, program period proposed start and end date, and brief purpose of the program.

##### **_3. _****_Proposal (4_****_pages maximum)_** The proposal should provide clear and detailed information, ensuring that someone unfamiliar with it can fully understand the applicant’s objectives. While you may use your preferred format, it must include all of the following components.

* **Proposal Summary:**Short narrative that outlines the proposed project, including project objectives and anticipated impact. * **Introduction to the Organization or Individual 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.

* **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 the objectives. * **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 as appropriate. * **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. * **Project Monitoring and Evaluation Plan:** This is an important part of successful grants.

Throughout the timeframe of the grant, how will the activities be monitored to ensure they are happening in a timely manner, and how will the program be evaluated to make sure it is meeting the goals of the grant? * **Future Funding or Sustainability:**Applicant’s plan for continuing the program beyond the grant period, or the availability of other resources, if applicable. ##### **_4.

_****_Budget Justification Narrative_** After filling out the SF-424A Budget (above), use a separate file to describe each of the budget expenses in detail. See section _I. Other Information: Guidelines for Budget Submissions_ below for further information.

* 1-page Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume of key personnel who are proposed for the program. * Letters of support from program partners describing the roles and responsibilities of each partner. * If your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, include your latest NICRA as a PDF file.

* Official permission letters, if required for program activities. [](https://ar. usembassy.

gov/u-s-embassy-fund-2025/)**E. ****Submission Requirements and Deadlines** ##### **_1. _****_Address to Request Application Package_** Application forms required above are available at https://www.

grants. gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-mandatory-family ##### **_2. _****_Department of State Contacts_** If you have any questions about the grant application process, please contact:US-ArgentinaGrants@state.

gov . ##### **_3. _****_Unique entity identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.

gov)_** **Required Registrations** 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 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. 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 in addition to Department of State should follow the below instructions: Step 1: Apply for an NCAGE code by following the instructions on the NSPA NATO website linked below: NCAGE Homepage:https://eportal. nspa. nato.

int/AC135Public/sc/CageList. aspx NCAGE Code Request Tool (NCRT):NCAGE Code Request Tool (nato. int) 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. ##### **_4. _****_Submission Dates and Times_** Applications are due no later than June 30, 2025, at 17:00 Argentine time (GMT -3).

##### **_5. _****_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. Prohibition on Funding Activities that Encourage Mass-Migration Caravans towards the United States Southwest Border None of the funds awarded under this grant may be made available to encourage, mobilize, publicize, or manage mass-migration caravans towards the United States southwest border.

Funds may not be made available for legal counseling on the United States asylum process; and/or for referrals to legal representation in the United States. Funds may only be used for cash cards for use in the country in which they are provided or to facilitate assisted voluntary returns and other purposes that do not encourage, mobilize, publicize, or manage mass migration caravans towards the United States southwest border.

The provision of humanitarian assistance is permitted. iii. Certification Regarding Compliance with applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws None of the funds awarded under this agreement may be used for any initiatives or programs, or any activities that do not comply with Executive Order 14173 titled Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity.

By signing the SF-424 or SF-424I Application for Federal Assistance, the Applicant certifies the following: * 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.

* It does not operate any programs promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion that violate any applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws. ##### **_6. _****_Other Submission Requirements_** All application materials must be submitted by email to US-ArgentinaGrants@state.

gov. [](https://ar. usembassy. gov/u-s-embassy-fund-2025/)**F.

****Application Review Information** ##### **_1. _****_Review Criteria_** Each application will be evaluated and rated based on the evaluation criteria outlined below. **Quality and Feasibility of the Program Idea****– 5 points:** The program idea is well developed, with detail about how program activities will be carried out.

The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline. **Organizational Capacity and Record on Previous Grants – 5 points:**The organization has expertise in its stated field and has the internal controls in place to manage federal funds. This includes a financial management system and a bank account.

**Connection with Embassy goals – 10 points:**The program idea and the target audience are relevant to the stated objectives. **Budget – 5 points:**The budget justification is detailed. Costs are reasonable in relation to the proposed activities and anticipated results.

The budget is realistic, accounting for all necessary expenses to achieve proposed activities. **Visibility / Impact – 5 points:**Applicant demonstrates capacity to give visibility to the program and obtain a positive impact on public perception of the United States or American culture and society. **Sustainability – 5 points:**Program activities will continue to have positive impact after the end of the program.

**Cost-sharing – 5 points:**Applicant’s proposal includes a portion of the expenses will be covered with either applicant or third-party contributions. In-kind contributions will also be evaluated. ##### **_2.

_****_Review and Selection Process_** A review committee will evaluate all eligible applications. **_3. _****_Risk Review_** 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: * Management systems and standards * Audit reports and findings * Ability to effectively implement requirements [](https://ar. usembassy. gov/u-s-embassy-fund-2025/)**G.

****Award Notices** 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. government, nor does it commit the U.S. government to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of proposals. Further, the U.S. government reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received. **Unsuccessful applicants:**Unsuccessful applicants will be notified via email.

Recipients will be required to request payments by completing form SF-270—Request for Advance or Reimbursement and submitting the form to the Grants Officer. [](https://ar. usembassy.

gov/u-s-embassy-fund-2025/)**H. ****Post-Award Requirements and Administration** ##### **_1. _****_Administrative and National Policy Requirements_** Before submitting an application, applicants should review all the terms and conditions and required certifications which will apply to this award, to ensure that they will be able to comply.

In accordance with the Office of Management and Budget’s guidance located at 2 CFR part 200, all applicable Federal laws, and relevant Executive guidance, the Department of State will review and consider applications for funding, as applicable to specific programs, pursuant to this notice of funding opportunity in accordance with the following: NOTE: * Guidance for Grants and Agreements in Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations (2 CFR), as updated in the Federal Register’s 89 FR 30046 on April 22, 2024, particularly on: * Selecting recipients most likely to be successful in delivering results based on the program objectives through an impartial process of evaluating Federal award applications (2 CFR part 200.

205), * Promoting the freedom of speech and religious liberty in alignment with _Promoting Free Speech and Religious Liberty_(E. O. 13798) and _Improving Free Inquiry, Transparency, and Accountability at Colleges and Universities_ (E.

O. 13864) (§§ 200. 300, 200.

303, 200. 339, and 200. 341), * Providing a preference, to the extent permitted by law, to maximize use of goods, products, and materials produced in the United States (2 CFR part 200.

322), and * Terminating agreements pursuant to the U.S. Department of State Standard Terms and Conditions, including, to the greatest extent authorized by law, if an award no longer effectuates the program goals or agency priorities (2 CFR part 200. 340).

* 2 CFR 25 – UNIVERSAL IDENTIFIER AND SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT * 2 CFR 170 – REPORTING SUBAWARD AND EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION INFORMATION * 2 CFR 175 – AWARD TERM FOR TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS * 2 CFR 182 – GOVERNMENTWIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE (FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE) * 2 CFR 183 – NEVER CONTRACT WITH THE ENEMY * 2 CFR 600 – DEPARTMENT OF STATE REQUIREMENTS * S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS ##### **_2.

_****_Reporting_** **Reporting Requirements:**Recipients will be required to submit financial reports and program reports.

The award document will specify what reports are required and how often these reports must be submitted **Foreign Assistance Data Review:**As required by Congress, the Department of State must make progress in its efforts to improve tracking and reporting of foreign assistance data through the Foreign Assistance Data Review (FADR).

The FADR requires tracking of foreign assistance activity data from budgeting, planning, and allocation through obligation and disbursement. Successful applicants will be required to report and draw down federal funding based on the appropriate FADR Data Elements, indicated within their award documentation.

In cases of more than one FADR Data Element, typically program or sector and/or regions or country, the successful applicant will be required to maintain separate accounting records. Applicants should be aware of the post award reporting requirements reflected in 2 CFR 200 Appendix XII—Award Term and Condition for Recipient Integrity and Performance Matters. **I.

****[](https://ar. usembassy. gov/u-s-embassy-fund-2025/)Other Information** **Guidelines for Budget Justification** Personnel and Fringe Benefits: Describe the wages, salaries, and benefits of temporary or permanent staff who will be working directly for the applicant on the program, and the percentage of their time that will be spent on the program.

Travel: Estimate the costs of travel and per diem for this program, for program staff, consultants or speakers, and participants/beneficiaries. If the program involves international travel, include a brief statement of justification for that travel.

Equipment: Describe any machinery, furniture, or other personal property that is required for the program, which has a useful life of more than one year (or a life longer than the duration of the program), and costs at least $10,000 per unit. Supplies: List and describe all the items and materials, including any computer devices, that are needed for the program.

If an item costs more than $10,000 per unit, then put it in the budget under Equipment. Contractual: Describe goods and services that the applicant plans to acquire through a contract with a vendor. Also describe any sub-awards to non-profit partners that will help carry out the program activities.

Other Direct Costs: Describe other costs directly associated with the program, which do not fit in the other categories. For example, shipping costs for materials and equipment or applicable taxes. All “Other” or “Miscellaneous” expenses must be itemized and explained.

Indirect Costs: These are costs that cannot be linked directly to the program activities, such as overhead costs needed to help keep the organization operating. If your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, attach a copy of your latest NICRA. Organizations that have never had a NICRA may request indirect costs of 15% of Modified Total Direct Costs as defined in 2 CFR 200.

1. “Cost Sharing” refers to contributions from the organization or other entities other than the U.S. Embassy. It also includes in-kind contributions such as volunteers’ time and donated venues.

Alcoholic Beverages:Please note that award funds cannot be used for alcoholic beverages. **J.

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: 1) 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; 2) 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. **FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS** If you have any questions about the grant application process, please contact PAS atUS-ArgentinaGrants@state.

gov **Note:**We do not provide any pre-consultation for application-related questions that are addressed in this Notice of Funding Opportunity. Once an application has been submitted, U.S. Embassy Argentina staff may not discuss this competition with applicants until the entire proposal review process is completed.

**_The U.S. Embassy in Argentina will not provide any information as to why a proposal was not selected and the panel decision shall not be appealed. Nevertheless, those non-selected applicants will be able to participate in future calls for proposals. _**